Be Wary of Metal Fillings

be wary of metal fillingsFor over a century, dental patients who’ve suffered from tooth decay have turned to metal amalgam as a durable and inexpensive material for dental filling procedures. Even today, the combination of mercury, silver, tin, copper, and other trace metals can be seen in the smiles of many people, especially adults who’ve had a filling placed when they were younger.

While traditional amalgam fillings are among the strongest dental restoration options, their metallic shine can bypass discretion and announce your former cavity to any who witness you speak or smile. To help restore your confidence in your smile as you repair it, we provide tooth-colored composite resin fillings that blend in with your smile.

What is Metal Amalgam?

The introduction of metal amalgam as a dental filling material came as a blessing to many people. In 1800s America, gold was the only viable solution for filling in treated cavities. Since most people could not afford the precious metal, only the wealthy could enjoy the benefits of a dental filling. The rest merely suffered the consequences advancing or untreated tooth decay. When two English brothers introduced their innovative, effective, and largely affordable mixture of metal, it was seen as a blessing, and amalgam continues to be among the most popular choices for treating tooth decay.

Regardless of its durability, however, the nature of amalgam fillings can cause them to fail after being placed.  Metal expands and contracts in hot and cold temperatures. If your metal dental filling expands (grows), your unyielding tooth can crack, fracture, or break, exposing your tooth’s sensitive roots to infection. If the filling contracts (shrinks), spaces can form between the filling and the inner tooth structure that it was meant to protect. Bacteria can squeeze through these spaces and infect your tooth once again, rendering your previous dental work obsolete.

Better, More Discreet Tooth-Colored Fillings

If one or more of your teeth are affected by decay and you would prefer a more discreet solution, ask us about our tooth-colored composite resin fillings.  Tooth-colored fillings bond to the structures of your teeth, greatly reducing the risk of spaces forming between your tooth and its restoration. The material can also be tinted to match the shade of your natural teeth, providing a discreet solution that will not sparkle when you smile.