Need a filling, but want to avoid mercury? Mercury-free, tooth-colored composite resin fillings are crafted using yttrium-stabilized ceramic. With tooth-colored composites, your filling can actually be tinted to match the natural color of your teeth. In contrast, amalgam fillings are only available in a metallic silver color.
Numerous health authorities over the years have stated that silver amalgam fillings pose only a small risk to health, with most adverse events being allergic reactions to the metals. But, if you are a health-conscious individual, you would most likely agree that it's better to avoid the risk altogether.
If you have a cavity that needs to be filled, contact Decatur Woods Dental to schedule a consultation.
When the dentist offers you the choice of either silver amalgam fillings or tooth-colored composite fillings, there are several factors you will have to weigh in deciding between the two styles, namely esthetics, longevity, cost, and safety.
One of the things silver amalgam fillings have going for them is durability. With silver amalgam fillings, you can expect them to last upwards of 15 years. Compare this to the replacement cycle of composite fillings, which last only 10 years, on average.
Both silver amalgam fillings and composite resin fillings are deemed to be safe by the ADA, WHO, and other health organizations. Metallic mercury (the form found in dental fillings) is multitudes safer than mercury vapor. Some mercury does leech into the bloodstream when you chew foods or grind your teeth, but this small amount does not pose a risk to health. But, we also understand many patients would like to avoid having mercury in their body, there we offer composite fillings.
Since composite resin fillings blend seamlessly with natural teeth, they are seen as a more attractive alternative to silver amalgams.
Silver amalgam fillings can be placed in roughly any area of the tooth that requires a dental filling. That's not the case with composite fillings, which may not be suitable for placement on biting surfaces, such as the back molars.
As a newer, more complex technology, composite fillings are slightly more costly than silver amalgams. If you choose composite fillings, dental insurance providers will typically only cover the cost up to those of silver amalgams and the patient will be responsible for the difference.
Have a question about composite fillings? Are you looking to replace your silver amalgams, but unsure whether composite fillings are right for you? Call Decatur Woods Dental today to schedule a consultation.
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