Whenever a person develops a cavity, the decayed area of the tooth has to be removed. The unfilled space remaining is then filled with a tough, long-lasting dental material to provide the tooth with the support needed to function normally.
Is There A Preference?
Despite its continued use, there is a rise in popularity for more natural looking white colored fillings. More patients are requesting composite fillings for their dental work. In fact, some patients are even having their silver colored fillings replaced. Moreover, even though the US Public Health Service published information in 1993 affirming that “no health risk is involved with silver colored fillings,” many people today prefer “white” or tooth-colored composite fillings.
Tooth-colored fillings are highly recommended because they adhere better to the tooth’s formation and help to fortify the tooth damaged by decay. White fillings are also less vulnerable to temperature and appear more natural. Moreover, minimal tooth reduction is required, preserving as much natural-tissue as possible. We can assess your teeth to inform you if fillings or crowns are the best alternative for your individual case.
WHITE COLORED FILLING VS SILVER COLORED FILLINGS
White Composite Fillings
Many patients prefer white composite fillings as an alternative to silver colored filling because of their many benefits. These include:
. Zero health risks linked to the use of composite fillings.
. Patients report not as much post-treatment uneasiness and sensitivity with composite materials.
. White composite fillings blend in better with the surrounding teeth.
There are a couple of disadvantages concerning white colored fillings. However, the seeming disadvantages are not enough to dissuade a person from preferring white composite fillings as a better and healthier choice. Disadvantages are:
. They are more expensive than silver colored fillings
. Using composite materials requires meticulous handling from a very skilled dentist; therefore, prices are higher. Nonetheless, this emphasizes the importance of choosing a highly-qualified dentist to perform your procedure. On the other hand, selecting an expert in the field should be a patient’s first priority.
Silver Colored Fillings
Metal-alloys have been utilized to fill patient’s decaying teeth for well over 1,000 years. Though this type of filling is commonly called “silver filling,” it is a concoction of tin, mercury, silver, and other metals.
Many dentists still offer silver fillings. Some patients might prefer silver fillings for a number of reasons:
. Silver fillings take less time than white colored fillings.
. They do not require the use of advanced dental instruments or techniques, decreasing the overall expensive for the procedure.
. Silver colored fillings have been used by dentists for decades; however, today the safety record for this type of filling is in question.
Nonetheless, there are some negative aspects with silver amalgam fillings. These include:
. Vulnerability to temperature changes. Temperature alteration causes silver fillings to expand and contract over time, which can destroy the dependability of the tooth.
. Larger amounts of the natural tooth structure is lost when silver linings are used
. The silver amalgam material is highly visible and unattractive
. People today are concerned about the potential dangers and the effect mercury can have in their bodies
GIVE US A CALL
It is important to schedule regular dental check-ups so that cavities can be spotted and treated as early as possible. For more information, call our office to make an appointment or to speak to us about your dental healthcare options. For more information or to schedule a no obligation consultation to discuss your dental health call Dr. Andrea Barone Jr. today at (401) 247-2200
