Although the jury is still out on the dangers of silver amalgam fillings, the FDA and the American Dental Association has deemed silver amalgam fillings safe, some people still believe that silver amalgam fillings should be removed.
Glen Dental explains that silver amalgam fillings used to be the only option when it came to filling a cavity, but thanks to the advances of dental filling material, you can have your old silver amalgam fillings replaced with tooth colored fillings that are strong enough for your molars.
In the late 1990’s, tooth colored fillings were only appropriate for front teeth as the technology just wasn’t up to par. These days thanks to modern dental technology, you can replace your old worn out silver amalgam fillings with dental materials that not only look great, but feel better than silver amalgam as well.
Silver amalgam fillings do not react to temperature changes. That means they can develop leaks, cracks, or just become uncomfortable. Because white fillings seal the tooth and the nerve endings you will not have to deal with the discomfort that is normally associated with silver amalgam fillings.
Although white composite fillings do not usually last as long as silver amalgam, some say anywhere from five to ten years, as compared to ten to fifteen with silver amalgam, there are some other advantages that are not just cosmetic.
According to Dr. Gilmor from Glen Dental, white fillings involve less removal of your natural tooth. Silver amalgam requires two millimeters or more removal, and because your new white fillings bond directly to the tooth itself, the weakest part of your tooth’s structure will never be touched.
If you have old silver amalgam fillings they may also be hiding tooth decay. If your old fillings leak, are cracked or chipped, dental caries can make their way under the filling creating new cavities. Unfortunately, the only way to tell if you are harboring new cavities under your silver amalgam fillings is to schedule an appointment with Glen Dental.
White fillings do have their advantages, and if you would like more information regarding silver amalgam filling replacement, call or click and schedule an appointment with Glen Dental in Glenview today.