Try as we might, most of us will experience a cavity or two in our lifetime. Tooth decay is an incredibly common problem: the CDC estimates that over 90% of adults have had a cavity, and one in four have untreated tooth decay. Traditionally, these issues were corrected with amalgam (metal) fillings. However, new research indicates that these restorations could end up doing your smile more harm than good in the long run. Find out why experts say it’s important to replace metal fillings and why tooth-colored fillings in Columbia are the ideal alternative.
Fillings: The Difference Between Amalgam and Composite Resin
When acids from your oral bacteria and the food you eat burn through your enamel, the decayed tissue needs to be removed and replaced. Metal fillings use a substance called dental amalgam to fill these small areas. This mixture of silver, tin, copper, and other metals is very durable once it’s been hardened into place, which allows it to withstand the pressure of talking and eating.
On the other hand, tooth-colored fillings are made of composite resin. This material contains particles of dental plastic, glass, and ceramic. While very putty-like at first, they can be cured and hardened to achieve a similar durability to amalgam fillings. Both restorations can easily last 10-15 years or more with the proper care. Despite their similarities, read on to find out why dental experts recommend one over the other.
What Are the Disadvantages of Metal Fillings?
There are several reasons why metal fillings are no longer the go-to choice for repairing cavities in Columbia, including:
- Noticeable appearance: Amalgam fillings leave behind a shiny silver blob amidst your pearly whites, which can distract from your smile and make you feel self-conscious.
- Damage to tooth structure: Healthy tooth enamel often needs to be removed to make room for a metal filling. Once placed, it may expand or contract when exposed to certain temperatures, causing hairline fractures in the tooth and dental sensitivity.
- Presence of mercury: While the Food and Drug Administration reports that amalgam fillings are safe, studies have found that having eight or more metal fillings can significantly increase the mercury levels in the blood.
What Benefits Do Tooth-Colored Fillings Offer?
Tooth-colored fillings are a popular choice among patients and dentists alike for numerous reasons, such as:
- Lifelike appearance: Composite resin can be shaded to match the color of your enamel, so your tooth-colored filling will be practically indistinguishable once placed.
- Preserves healthy enamel: Thanks to their pliable nature and ability to bond to natural tooth structure, little to no healthy enamel needs to be removed to place tooth-colored fillings.
- Seals out bacteria and sensitivity: Composite resin bonds very well to natural dental structure and doesn’t react to temperatures, which allows it to form a tight seal and more effectively protect against bacteria and sensitivity.
If you have amalgam fillings, it’s time to have them replaced. Talk to your Columbia dentist today about replacing those silver spots in your smile with safer and more aesthetically pleasing tooth-colored fillings!
About the Practice
Beck Dental Care has been providing award-winning dentistry to the smiles of Columbia, TN and the surrounding communities for over 40 years. With the latest dental technology and a team of highly trained dentists, we offer a variety of effective, comfortable, and long-lasting solutions for nearly any oral health issue you may be facing. One such treatment is tooth-colored fillings, which are comprised of high-quality materials for excellent results. If you’re looking to replace your amalgam fillings with tooth-colored ones, we’d be more than happy to help. We can be contacted via our website or at (931) 388-8452.