Are you in need of a new filling? Whether you have decay that needs to be repaired, or you have old metal fillings that have seen better days, dental fillings can help to restore your teeth. Metal fillings are effective and long-lasting, but they have some downsides that may overpower their advantages. Continue reading to learn some reasons why you should choose a tooth-colored filling to repair your smile.
What Are the Downsides of Metal Fillings?
Metal fillings were the go-to solution to tooth decay for many years, and many people still have them today. However, they aren’t always your best choice when it comes to restoring your teeth. Here’s why.
- Metal Fillings Contain Mercury: Amalgam fillings are made from several metals, like silver, tin, copper, mercury, and others. The issue is that mercury is toxic to the human body. According to a study done by the University of Georgia, if you have more than eight metal fillings in your mouth, they can increase the mercury levels in your blood. Ingesting high levels of mercury can lead to “mercury toxicity.” This means symptoms like impaired sense and a lack of coordination. It can even be lethal in higher doses. The good news is that there isn’t any evidence to suggest that the amount of mercury present in fillings can cause major issues, but many agree that it is still a good idea to choose another option when possible.
- Temperature Reactions: Metal expands and contracts when exposed to different temperatures. When you eat hot foods, metal fillings can expand and put extra stress on your tooth. When you have something cold, it can shrink and cause gaps. Ultimately, this can weaken the natural tooth structure.
- Not Natural-Looking: Metal fillings are far from invisible. Most people don’t like the appearance of amalgam fillings in their teeth because they don’t look like natural tooth enamel.
The Benefits of Tooth-Colored Fillings
Dentists today usually use tooth-colored fillings. Here are some of their benefits.
- Natural Appearance: Tooth-colored fillings blend in with the rest of your teeth. No one will even be able to tell that you have one.
- Mercury-Free: Tooth-colored fillings are made from a composite resin and don’t contain any mercury.
- Preserves Tooth Structure: Less of your healthy tooth structure needs to be removed to place a tooth-colored filling. This is because they can form a stronger bond to the tooth.
If you need a dental filling, reach out to your dentist about tooth-colored ones. This way, you can restore the health and appearance of your tooth!
About the Practice
At Athens Dental Associates, Dr. Ashley Hill Lindsey, Dr. Charles Carter, and Dr. Kamarin Moon worked together to treat patients in the Athens community. With their combined experience and expertise, patients can get pretty much anything they need under one roof. To learn more about tooth-colored fillings or to schedule an appointment, visit his website or call (706) 549-1370.