Do you have some old metal fillings in your mouth from many years back? Metal fillings have plenty of advantages, including that they are long-lasting and durable. However, there are also multiple downsides that overpower their benefits. Today, you have the option of replacing them with tooth-colored fillings. Continue reading to learn why your metal fillings should stay in the past!
What Are the Disadvantages of Metal Fillings?
For many years, metal fillings were the norm. Many people still have them in their mouths today. While they do have their benefits, here are some of the cons of metal fillings:
- Contain Mercury: Metal, sometimes called “amalgam,” fillings can be made from a variety of metals. Some of them include silver, tin, copper, mercury, and others. The problem is that mercury is toxic to the human body. According to a study completed by the University of Georgia, if you have more than eight metal fillings in your mouth, they could increase the mercury levels in your blood. Ingesting high levels of this substance can result in “mercury toxicity.” This condition means that you could develop symptoms, like impaired senses and a lack of coordination. It can even be lethal at higher doses. The good news is that there isn’t any evidence that the amount of mercury present in metal fillings causes any major issues, but many still prefer to avoid them.
- Reacts to Temperatures: Metal tends to expand and contract when exposed to different temperatures. When you have hot foods, the filling can expand and put extra stress on your tooth. When you have something old, the filling can shrink, causing gaps. Eventually, this can weaken the natural tooth structure.
- Not Natural Looking: Metal fillings are far from invisible. Most people don’t prefer the appearance of amalgam fillings in their teeth because they don’t look natural.
What Are the Benefits of Tooth-Colored Fillings?
In most cases, dentists today use tooth-colored fillings instead of the metal amalgam ones of the past. Here are some of the benefits of tooth-colored fillings:
- Natural-Looking: Tooth-colored fillings blend in with your teeth. No one will be able to tell that you have one.
- Mercury-Free: This type of filling is made from composite resin.
- Preserves Tooth Structure: Less of your healthy tooth structure needs to be removed to place a tooth-colored filling. This is because they form a strong bond to the tooth.
If you have concerns about your metal fillings, schedule an appointment with your dentist to discuss this alternative. You can expect comfortable, natural-looking results for many years to come.
About the Practice
At Diamond Hill Dental, Dr. Saba K. Abernethy and Dr. Heba Alani work together to serve patients in the Cumberland community. They offer tooth-colored fillings to build up decayed and damaged teeth. To learn more about tooth-colored fillings or to schedule an appointment, visit their website or call (401) 333-2700.