Material for kids / root caries

Composite can go on front or back teeth and blends with the natural tooth colour. Its fracture resistance is intended for the repeated, moderate pressure of chewing in small to mid-size fillings.

Glass ionomer has a caries-prevention advantage in parts of the reviewed evidence. In permanent teeth, single-surface glass ionomer restorations had fewer caries lesions after six years than amalgam restorations, and resin-modified glass ionomer outperformed composite resin for caries prevention in a meta-analysis.

Composite can cost more than amalgam and is occasionally outside insurance cover. It also takes longer to place than a metal filling because the tooth must stay clean and dry while the cavity is filled.

No dental filling lasts for life, so a filling may need replacement. Some studies found composite less durable than amalgam and reported replacement more often for composite.

Repeated exposure to acids made from sugars and starches removes minerals from enamel. Once mineral loss outpaces repair, enamel can break down into a cavity; untreated severe decay can cause pain, infection and tooth loss.

A badly broken-down tooth may need a crown instead of a filling. Crowns can be made from gold or other metals, porcelain, or stainless steel, which is usually used on baby teeth.

Caries care starts by identifying the risk of progression and following whether the disease is advancing. Preventive care and restorative treatment are then used as part of managing the disease process.