If you are in need of a dental filling because you have a cavity, it’s important to note that all filling materials are not quite the same. It used to be that if you needed to have a cavity filled, you automatically had your cavity filled with a silver amalgam material, but now you have options to consider.
Silver amalgam is the traditional filling that most people think of when they think of dental fillings. This material is strong and durable, while getting the job done to fill in the area where tooth decay must be removed in order to maintain the integrity of the tooth. One of the biggest drawbacks to this material option is its lack of aesthetic appeal. When you have a cavity filled with silver amalgam, it’s obvious that you had a cavity in that tooth because the filling is noticeable. However, some people don’t really care, especially since many cavities occur in back teeth, where the filling material is not as noticeable.
Another drawback to silver amalgam is that it contains trace amounts of mercury. While this shouldn’t be cause for alarm because millions of people around the world have had this type of material in their teeth for years and years with no negative effects, it is a concern for some people. One issue that people may be more concerned about than the amount of mercury, however, is the fact that over time the silver amalgam can get minor cracks or fissures in it which can allow bacteria to penetrate the tooth, causing additional decay.
Those who are more concerned about the aesthetics of dental fillings will be happy to know that there are now viable options to consider for filling materials that are virtually undetectable from natural teeth. Whether the material is made from porcelain or a composite material, these tooth-colored fillings can be color-matched to blend seamlessly with the surrounding teeth so it’s nearly impossible to even tell that a cavity exists in the teeth. By opting for this type of material, no negative aesthetic affects need to be associated with having a cavity filled.
In addition to the enhanced aesthetic benefits, the tooth-colored material is strong, durable and long-lasting. This means that once you have the filling placed in your teeth, you can feel confident knowing it will last for a long time. The material is also not prone to the same minor cracks and fissures that sometimes arise in silver amalgam, resulting in the need for replacement.
When considering which type of dental filling to choose, it would seem obvious that the tooth-colored option would be the logical choice over silver amalgam because it offers more benefits and looks better overall. However, it’s worth noting that these fillings are also more costly than amalgam fillings, so they are not every dental patient’s first choice for that reason.
For more information about dental filling options, contact Park Dental Care in Queens at 718-274-1515.
