If you have a small or medium-sized cavity, your dentist will most likely recommend a dental filling. Although there are several restorative treatment options for tooth decay, fillings are the simplest and most conservative choice. For over a century, dental fillings were made of metal, including silver amalgam. In recent years, however, many dentists have begun recommending composite fillings.
At Metropolitan Dental Care in Denver, CO, our dentists are committed to providing the safest and most up-to-date treatment. That is why we are proud to offer composite fillings, which are completely non-toxic and more realistic than older types of fillings. We are even happy to replace your old metal fillings with composite, if desired.
Contact Metropolitan Dental Care to learn more or to schedule an appointment.
Composite vs. Silver Amalgam: What’s the difference?
Composite fillings are primarily resin-based. They also have added particles of silica, ceramic, and/or quartz. Composite fillings are naturally white.
Silver amalgam fillings are made from a mix of metals. 50% is mercury, 35% is silver, and 15% is a mix of other metals, including tin and copper. Amalgam fillings are dark in color.
Benefit #1: More Natural Looking
The most immediate benefit of composite fillings is that they look more realistic. Already white, they can be color-matched to the exact shade of your smile.
In contrast, metal fillings may be visible on the chewing surfaces of your molars. Even those fillings that are completely hidden at first may eventually show through your teeth so that they appear dark from the inside.
Benefit #2: Mercury-Free
The FDA has declared that the amount of mercury contained in amalgam is safe for the general population. Nonetheless, they say, higher risk groups may want to avoid amalgam. These groups include pregnant and nursing women, children younger than age 6, and those with neurological or kidney conditions.
Alarmingly, the US seems to be an outlier when it comes to amalgam fillings and their reported safety. The EU has banned amalgam fillings, effective January 1, 2025. Exports of amalgam to Africa and Latin America have also been banned.
Benefit #3: More Conservative Treatment
To place a filling, your dentist will remove some tissue from the inside of your tooth to create a stronger bonding surface. Composite fillings often require less tissue removal than metal.
Benefit #4: Less Wear and Tear on Your Teeth
If you think back to your basic middle school science classes, you may recall that metal expands and contracts with changes in temperature. Well, this same phenomenon applies to dental amalgam. Every time you eat or drink something of a different temperature, it can cause the size of your filling to fluctuate. Eventually, this can strain your tooth, causing cracks and other damage. Composite is stable and does not respond to heat or cold.
Benefit #5: A Versatile Material
Unlike metal, composite can also be used on the outside of your teeth. If you have small cracks, chips, or gaps, your dentist can conceal these flaws with composite resin. This procedure is commonly referred to as dental bonding.
Learn More about Composite Fillings
Why take the risk of metal fillings when newer and safer alternatives are available? Contact us to learn more about composite and to schedule your restorative consultation.
Reach us online or call us at 303-534-2626.
