Dental fillings are a common restorative dentistry treatment. Fillings can strengthen decayed teeth, keep cavities from growing larger, and prevent dental infection. In the past, silver amalgam fillings were the most common type. Today, a composite resin tooth filling can perform the same restorative functions with additional benefits for your health and appearance.
At Metropolitan Dental Care, our team of highly experienced dentists offer the most up-to-date dental restorations. When you receive a tooth filling from our Denver, CO, office, you know you will enjoy a lifelike appearance and full dental function for years to come.
To learn more about our fillings and other restorative dentistry treatments, contact Metropolitan Dental Care today.
1. Highly Realistic Appearance
If you ever received an older silver amalgam filling, you know that they are at least somewhat visible when you laugh or open your mouth wide. Over time, these types of fillings can become even more noticeable, giving your teeth a grayish tint.
In contrast, dental composite comes in a wide range of realistic shades. Your dentist will select the color that most closely matches your teeth, so the restoration will never alter the look of your smile.
2. More Conservative Treatment
Before placing a filling, your dentist will need to treat the inside of your tooth. Of course, he or she will need to remove any decayed tissue. But they will also need to trim away some healthy tissue to create a secure bond for the filling. With composite, your dentist will typically need to remove less tissue than they would to place silver amalgam.
3. Mercury-Free Restorations
Despite the name, silver amalgam fillings contain very little silver. Instead, the material is made of silver, copper, tin, and about 50% mercury. Mercury has been associated with adverse effects on the brain and kidneys. It can be especially harmful for pregnant women and their unborn children, nursing mothers, and children under age six.
Furthermore, the mercury in amalgam fillings is bioaccumulative, meaning it can build up in the body over time. In other words, the longer you have silver amalgam fillings, the more of this element you can find in your bloodstream – including your brain and kidneys!
Despite this, the FDA does not recommend replacing old silver amalgam fillings, as this may release additional mercury into your body. Of course, if your older fillings are damaged or causing problems (including cosmetic concerns), replacement with composite fillings is merited.
4. Low Risk of Allergic Reaction
Though it is uncommon, some people may be allergic to the other elements contained in silver amalgam (tin and copper). Fortunately, allergies to dental composite are highly unlikely.
5. Increased Stability
As you may know, metal expands and contracts in response to temperature changes. (Just think about how the mercury in a thermometer rises or falls due to the external temperature.) It is no different for a metal tooth filling. Over time, the continual expansion and shrinkage can weaken the outer structure of your tooth. Composite, on the other hand, does not have this effect.
Contact Us for a Tooth Filling or a Restorative Consultation
If you are looking for a top-quality tooth filling or other dental restoration, contact Metropolitan Dental Care.
Book your appointment online or call (303) 534-2626 today.
