If you have cavities caused by tooth decay, composite fillings can be used to fill the hole, protect your teeth, and restore your smile. Many people prefer this option because it has a more natural appearance and does not create an eyesore. Others prefer them because they do not contain the same ingredients as traditional amalgam fillings.
For over a century, dentists have used metal fillings to treat tooth decay. Research has shown that using an amalgam material, which is made up of many different types of metal, can help improve the strength and longevity of the treatment. Today, some of the materials used in metal or amalgam fillings may include:
Because metals are very strong, these types of fillings are quite durable and can last for 15 years or more in patients who maintain good oral hygiene and see a dentist regularly for cleanings and checkups. However, metal fillings can have a few drawbacks, including their unsightly appearance. In addition, they can cause an increase in tooth sensitivity and have even been shown to cause minor allergic reactions in some patients. However, these side effects are rare.
Composite fillings do not include any metals, so there are no concerns for those who may be sensitive to those types of ingredients. Instead, these fillings are made from either glass or quartz mixed with a resin to create a strong, tooth-colored material. While they are effective for treating cavities, they do not last as long as metal fillings. Most patients can expect to have them replaced after five or more years. However, they are less likely to conduct temperatures and cause tooth sensitivity, and they are often more natural-looking, leading to more confidence and a beautiful smile.
Many patients are opposed to metal fillings because they contain mercury. In large amounts, mercury can become very harmful and even dangerous. However, the amount used in a dental filling is well below the threshold for safety.
The American Dental Association takes patient health and wellness very seriously and helps ensure that the materials used for dental treatment are both safe and effective. Time and research have shown that the risks for unsafe levels of mercury exposure from metal fillings are minimal and are far outweighed by the risks of developing serious complications from untreated tooth decay.
Even so, many patients feel uncomfortable about choosing a product that contains mercury for dental treatment. Composite fillings are an excellent alternative. They provide effective results with a mercury-free product.
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In most situations, composite fillings are an acceptable and even desirable option for treating tooth decay. They are often preferred by patients who are sensitive to metals or want to avoid any additional mercury exposure. However, in some situations, a dentist may still recommend an amalgam filling. Talk with your dentist to determine which option is right for you.
Request an appointment or call Paramount Dental Care & Specialty at 562-450-1261 for an appointment in our Long Beach office.
Composite fillings are resin materials made with a plastic and glass mixture. Dentists began to use tooth-colored fillings in the 1960s, but they were too weak for the back teeth. Nowadays, the composite resin is strong enough for all teeth. Dentists may use the fillings to restore a decayed tooth or reshape a disfigured, cracked,…
Dental patients with chipped or broken teeth have more options for tooth repair than in the past, such as the use of composite fillings. These fillings can not only restore a tooth but also prevent the need for extraction, which can leave gaps in the smile and cause the remaining teeth to shift. They can…
Created with quartz or glass and using a resin medium, composite fillings are quickly becoming the go-to for many dental patients. The fillings restore functionality to broken teeth by allowing the patient to bite or chew without pain. In addition, because the fillings look like natural teeth, they may help with self-esteem in relation to…