Have you ever had a cavity? If you have, you’ve probably also had a filling in one of your teeth. Depending on when you had it done, your filling may have been a silver filling. For a long time, silver fillings, known as dental amalgam fillings, were the standard and sometimes sole option for a cavity filling.
Despite its appearance, amalgam is not primarily composed of silver. Rather, it is 50% mercury with varying amounts of silver, copper, and tin. Silver amalgam was in common use because of its durability and affordability throughout history.
Although it was in common use, the dark shade of these silver fillings can affect the appearance of your smile over time. The teeth can develop a grey tint or become obvious when laughing, talking or yawning.
Alongside its appearance, silver amalgam is sensitive to changes in temperature. Hot or cold foods or beverages cause the filling to expand and contract, which can alter its shape. Over time, this can cause structural damage to the teeth.
These days, amalgam fillings are rarely used, instead “white fillings” are much more common. These are composite or ceramic fillings made from resin and porcelain that boast a bright white color mirroring the shade of your tooth.
This change has led some of us to wonder if the new fillings are better than the old – and should you replace your old silver fillings?
Tooth Colored Fillings
“White fillings” or “tooth colored fillings” are durable, natural looking and oftentimes very attractive looking tooth restorations. These dental fillings are made from composite dental resin which gives them their white color. The color and appearance of these fillings means they blend more seamlessly with the rest of your teeth. For many patients, this is better than the look of silver flashes in your teeth when you laugh or smile!
At Wright Parkway Dental, the process of placing a tooth-colored filling is less invasive than an amalgam filling. While the amalgam fillings typically require removal of some healthy tooth as well, with the composite fillings only decaying portions of the tooth are removed.
Not only can you treat your cavities with a tooth-colored filling, you can also replace old amalgam restorations. While the jury is still out on the long-term safety of the materials in amalgam fillings, we know with certainty that tooth-colored fillings are 100% safe.
Knowing that tooth colored fillings are safer and more durable, this treatment not only improves the appearance of your smile but will leave you with peace of mind knowing that you do not have the potential toxins from the metal fillings in your body.
With this information, it’s easy to see why silver fillings have fallen out of favor in the dental world. So even if you have them, it might be worth considering getting them replaced.
Whether you want to replace old silver fillings or have a new cavity filled, Wright Parkway Dental can help. Call us at (850) 243-1534 to learn more or to schedule an appointment!
