Glass Ionomer (fillings)

As with any other filling material, glass ionomers have advantages and disadvantages.  Your dentist will use the most appropriate filling material for the purpose it is intended.

Advantages of Glass Ionomers:

• Tooth coloured.  Sometimes there may not be an exact match with the tooth but are not grey,black or gold
• They are easier to replace and therefore cost less
• Glass ionomers chemically bond to the tooth structure so are less likely to fall out
• Glass ionomers release fluoride into the cavity so there is very little chance of having recurrent decay
• Glass ionomers may in some cases reverse some decay. If very severe decay is threatening the nerve of the tooth, a glass ionomer cement may be placed to try to heal the deepest decay. This takes some time and may need to be replaced, but you may not need root canal treatment if this is done
• Glass ionomers do not shrink like some other filling materials so is less likely to crack the remaining tooth or cause post-operative sensitivity. Because of this glass ionomers are used as a foundation inside the filling and a composite resin can then be placed on top to seal the tooth

Disadvantages of Glass Ionomers:

• Glass ionomers are not as resistant to wear as any other filling materials but they can still be used in small fillings on the biting surface of the teeth and in fillings on the sides of the teeth.