Almost all of us have had a cavity at some point in our lives. If you have had cavities, they potentially have silver or amalgam fillings to strengthen the structural integrity of the teeth. If that’s the case, now might be a great time to consider switching to tooth-colored fillings.
At Hunsaker Dental, we always encourage this option over other filling alternatives. Our dentists will explain in detail why it is a good idea to replace these fillings. Let’s take a look at some reasons you should consider replacing silver fillings with tooth-colored ones:
1. Limited Lifespan
Modern composite Salem dental fillings are very durable. This carefully manufactured compound bonds well with the natural tooth enamel. That’s why it stays in place for several years. Amalgam fillings only fill in the empty space created by the missing enamel and aren’t durable because they don’t bond with the teeth. Silver fillings will only last for 10 years. It will wear off slowly, exposing the underlying tooth to bacteria and decay.
2. Silver Fillings Contain Mercury
Silver fillings contain a lot of mercury. In fact, around 50% of the material is made up of mercury, which can be harmful to patients. There is still some debate among the dentist community on this topic but it is better to be safe than sorry. Why worry about the potential dangers of silver fillings when you can have peace of mind with tooth-colored composite fillings?
3. Reacting to Temperature Fillings
Metals react to heat, and mercury is especially sensitive to temperature changes. If you drink something hot, the filling will expand. If you consume something very cold, the filling will contract. This movement causes a lot of strain to the natural tooth enamel which can lead to cracks and structural damage over time. Composite fillings aren’t as sensitive to heat or cold. You don’t have to worry about them causing any damage to your natural teeth.
4. Strengthen the Natural Tooth
A silver filling is like a Band-Aid over a cut. It doesn’t do much beyond filling a cavity. Composite filling bonds with the tooth and offers more support to the natural tooth. This means the tooth and the filling aren’t exerting any force on each other which also makes the filling much more durable.
5. Appearance
This is one of the most common reasons why people replace their amalgam fillings with composite dental fillings. Silver fillings are dark grey in color, so they’re immediately visible when you talk or laugh. This makes many patients self-conscious. On the other hand, composite dental fillings look just like natural teeth enamel. This means most people won’t notice there’s a filling unless they’re in close proximity to you.
As you can see, there are several benefits of replacing silver fillings. We’re a mercury-free practice and provide excellent tooth-colored filling dental treatments. Our dentists at Hunsaker Dental will be sure to take their time while explaining the benefits of composite fillings in detail.
If you want to know more about tooth-colored fillings, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us at Hunsaker Dental. You can contact us through our website or visit one of our locations today!
With Dental Bonding, you no longer need to hide away your smile. You will be able to flash a perfect grin confidently again. Give us a call today at Salem: 503-877-1598 or Monmouth: 503-877-1590 to schedule your appointment!