Cavities have been treated with amalgam fillings for many years, but new methods can create safer, more long-lasting, and more attractive ways of filling tooth decay. Dental amalgam is a type of material used to treat dental decay and cavities. It contains a combination of elemental mercury and silver, tin and copper, and is often called a “silver filling” because of it’s color. Traditionally, amalgam fillings have been used to fill cavities because the combination of mercury and metals was easily formed into a cavity and relatively inexpensive.
If you have amalgam fillings, it might be smart to get them replaced.
Recently, there have been concerns that the mercury from the fillings can leak. Mercury is a known toxin and can cause health problems. The Food and Drug Administration is still evaluating the harm that can come from the mercury in amalgam fillings. If your filling is in good condition, the FDA and the American Dental Association do not recommend that the filling is removed and replaced. However, if a filling is cracked, chipped, or otherwise damaged, or your tooth has damage beyond the metal filling, you should consult your dentist. He or she can assess the condition of your filling, how it could impact the health of your teeth, and if it should be replaced. Today, composite fillings offer a great alternative.
For cosmetic or health reasons, amalgam fillings can be replaced with composite or porcelain fillings. These newer fillings have many advantages. Unlike metal, composite and porcelain can actually strengthen teeth and prevent future decay by bonding to the tooth itself. You do not need to damage or remove any part of the tooth with composite and porcelain fillings, and they last longer than amalgam fillings. They are also more easily repaired than amalgam fillings if a problem does arise. And finally, there is the cosmetic concern: newer fillings are not silver and the tooth-colored materials give a more natural appearance.
Get In Touch With Olney Dental Today
Interested in learning more about how cosmetic dentistry can make your smile happier? Call Olney Dental at (301) 250-1057 or contact us online for an appointment. And don’t forget to visit Facebook, Twitter,Google+,Pinterest, and YouTube to connect with us on social media.
Cavities have been treated with amalgam fillings for many years, but new methods can create safer, more long-lasting, and more attractive ways of filling tooth decay.
Dental amalgam is a type of material used to treat dental decay and cavities. It contains a combination of elemental mercury and silver, tin and copper, and is often called a “silver filling” because of it’s color. Traditionally, amalgam fillings have been used to fill cavities because the combination of mercury and metals was easily formed into a cavity and relatively inexpensive.
Recently, there have been concerns that the mercury from the fillings can leak. Mercury is a known toxin and can cause health problems. The Food and Drug Administration is still evaluating the harm that can come from the mercury in amalgam fillings. If your filling is in good condition, the FDA and the American Dental Association do not recommend that the filling is removed and replaced. However, if a filling is cracked, chipped, or otherwise damaged, or your tooth has damage beyond the metal filling, you should consult your dentist. He or she can assess the condition of your filling, how it could impact the health of your teeth, and if it should be replaced. Today, composite fillings offer a great alternative.
For cosmetic or health reasons, amalgam fillings can be replaced with composite or porcelain fillings. These newer fillings have many advantages. Unlike metal, composite and porcelain can actually strengthen teeth and prevent future decay by bonding to the tooth itself. You do not need to damage or remove any part of the tooth with composite and porcelain fillings, and they last longer than amalgam fillings. They are also more easily repaired than amalgam fillings if a problem does arise. And finally, there is the cosmetic concern: newer fillings are not silver and the tooth-colored materials give a more natural appearance.
Get In Touch With Olney Dental Today
Interested in learning more about how cosmetic dentistry can make your smile happier? Call Olney Dental at (301) 250-1057 or contact us online for an appointment. And don’t forget to visit Facebook, Twitter,Google+,Pinterest, and YouTube to connect with us on social media.