Cavities are a common dental problem among people of all ages and backgrounds. A cavity is a hole in the tooth caused by acid-producing bacteria. The acid weakens the tooth enamel, eventually creating a pit or hole. Sugary and sticky foods are the biggest offenders! If left untreated, a cavity can grow large enough to potentially destroy the entire tooth. The good thing is dental fillings can repair the damage from tooth decay. The even better thing is that cavities can usually be prevented with proper oral hygiene, just saying!
Fill it up!
In the event that your teeth succumb to cavities, your dentist will be able to restore them with dental fillings. Getting a filling is a straightforward process, and nothing to stress over. First, you might be numbed depending on the degree of decay. Then, all signs of decay are removed (cue dental drill), and the area is thoroughly cleaned. Lastly, the cavity is filled with special dental materials, which closes off the area from bacteria to prevent further decay.
Amalgam vs. Composite
The materials used in dental fillings are an ongoing, hot topic. Some dentists are very particular with what they use, while others provide a variety of options. The two most popular materials used for fillings are amalgam and composite. Each has its distinct features as well as pros and cons.
Amalgam
Amalgam, AKA “silver fillings”, contain a combination of metals (mixture of mercury, silver, tin, and copper). Mercury makes up about half of that mixture. Yes, mercury, but hold tight! Amalgam has been one of the most effective and widely-used materials in dentistry for more than 100 years. But why use mercury? Because its very pliable and easily binds with alloy particles to form amalgam.
Amalgam has been a controversial topic in the dental world. No doubt that the thought of a toxic material like mercury in your mouth might cause some distress, but according to various studies by the FDA, there has been no link between dental amalgam fillings and adverse health effects. It’s deemed that the amount of mercury released is not a cause for alarm, and there is no need to remove amalgam fillings unless there are signs of cracking or damage. Aside from the concern of mercury exposure, amalgam has its pros.
Amalgam is cheaper and more durable than other materials used in dental fillings. It’s less sensitive to moisture and holds up to wear and tear, making it the ideal choice for posterior teeth that take the impact of chewing. Many dental insurances will even cover amalgam fillings.
Some things to consider - the biggest being that amalgam fillings are very noticeable, hence why they aren’t ideal for teeth in the front of your mouth. Amalgam doesn’t bond directly with the tooth. Since amalgam is metal, it can corrode or tarnish over time, and the expansion of amalgam within the tooth can occasionally lead to fractures.
Composite
Composite is another option for dental fillings. It’s a resin-based material made from a combination of ceramic and plastic compounds. Unlike amalgam, composite bonds well with the tooth, and there are no controversial health concerns over the products used.
Aesthetics is the biggest advantage of composite fillings, AKA “white fillings”. Composite is tooth-colored so it blends nicely with the color of your natural teeth! Unfortunately, that creates the potential for staining from things such as coffee, tea, and tobacco.
If you’re worried about cost, keep in mind that composite fillings are more expensive than amalgam fillings. Additionally, they aren’t as durable, which may lead to repeated restorations and more money out of your pocket. Most dental insurances typically don’t cover composite fillings on back teeth.
So there you have it - the breakdown of amalgam versus composite. If you have questions or concerns about dental restorations, call us at 954-344-4488, or complete an online appointment request to schedule your consultation.