Do you still have metal fillings in your mouth from old dental procedures? Metal fillings were the standard in restorative dentistry for many years, and they have plenty of benefits. In addition to being effective, they are also long-lasting and durable. However, they also have some downsides. Today, tooth-colored fillings have become a better option for restoring decayed teeth. Continue reading to learn why you may want to consider having your metal ones replaced.
What Are the Disadvantages of Metal Fillings?
Many people still have metal fillings. Here are some of their cons:
- Contain Mercury: Metal fillings, sometimes called “amalgam fillings,” can be made from several different metals. Some of them include silver, tin, copper, and mercury. The issue is that mercury is toxic to the human body. According to a study completed by the University of Georgia, if you have more than eight metal fillings in your mouth, they could be increasing the mercury levels in your blood. Ingesting high levels of mercury can result in mercury toxicity. This condition consists of symptoms like impaired senses and a tack or coordination. It can even be lethal in higher doses. The good news is that there isn’t any evidence to support that the amount of mercury present in metal fillings causes any major issue, but many patients still make the choice to avoid them.
- Reacts to Temperatures: Metal tends to expand and contract when exposed to different temperatures. When you have hot foods, metal fillings can expand, putting extra stress on your tooth. When you have something cold, the metal filling can shrink, resulting in gaps. Eventually, this take a toll on the structure of the tooth.
- Not Natural-Looking: Metal fillings are easily visible to others. Most people don’t prefer the appearance of amalgam fillings in their teeth since they don’t look natural.
What Are the Benefits of Tooth-Colored Fillings?
Today, dentists usually use tooth-colored fillings instead of the metal amalgam ones. Here are some of the benefits:
- Natural-Looking: Tooth-colored fillings easily blend in with your teeth. No one will be able to tell that you have one.
- Mercury-Free: Tooth-colored fillings are made from composite resin, so there is no mercury.
- Preserves Tooth Structure: A smaller portion of your healthy tooth structure needs to be removed to place a tooth-colored fillings. This is because they form a stronger bond to the tooth.
If you have concerns about your metal fillings or want a natural-looking alternative, schedule a visit with your dentist to discuss tooth-colored fillings. This way, you can benefit from a reliable restoration that blends in with the rest of your smile!
About the Practice
At Holliston Complete Dentistry, Dr. Saba K. Abernethy and Dr. Heba Alani are skilled dentists serving the Holliston community. With their combined experience and expertise, patients can get pretty much anything they need under one roof. They offer tooth-colored fillings to restore decayed and damaged teeth. If you are interested in swapping out your metal fillings for tooth-colored ones, or you want to learn more, visit their website or call (508) 429-5300.