Glass ionomer filling
Written by Dentist Rune Skou, 2008-21-12Last update: 2010-01-01
A glass ionomer filling is used when the filling’s durability is less important.
What is it?
A glass ionomer filling is made of calcium-aluminium-fluoride-silicate and polycarboxlate acid mixed together.
Why is it used?
A glass ionomer filling is both easier and faster to make than a composite filling while retaining some of the same positive qualities.
The filling is glued in place and then creates an effective barrier against bacteria and strengthens the tooth by holding it together.
Unlike composite fillings where the tooth needs to be completely dry for a good result, glass ionomer fillings are more forgiving to moist application conditions. This makes glass ionomer fillings a common method of treatment for children with cavities.
What are the risks?
When using glass ionomer fillings, there’s a greater risk of the filling breaking, falling out or being worn down. This is due to how glass ionomer fillings are neither as durable nor as well-connected to the tooth as other types of fillings.