Studies suggest that over 90 percent of adults have had cavities. It is one of the most common reasons to visit the dentist. If you have a cavity, your dentist may recommend dental filling to repair the damage.

There are different types of filling materials—metal, metal-free, and composite. The dentist will recommend the best filling depending on factors such as the size of the cavity and tooth location. Find out which type of filling is best for you. 

Composite Dental Fillings 

Composite fillings are made of a mixture of glass and acrylic plastic. The glass helps strengthen the material while giving it a natural color. It is matched to the patient’s tooth color and is bonded to create a natural appearance. The fillings usually help cosmetically enhance teeth or restore decayed ones. They are less visible than metal fillings, making them ideal for use on the front, more visible teeth. 

Metal Dental Fillings 

Metal fillings are made from alloys or a mixture of metals. The most common is silver amalgam, made of silver, copper, tin, and mercury. Mercury makes up almost 50 percent of the amalgam. Metal fillings are strong and often last long, and they are easy to place. They are also less expensive than composite fillings. The fillings are usually used to treat large cavities in the back teeth. Gold fillings are another treatment option that tends to be the most durable.

Benefits of Composite Fillings

There are many reasons why people switch to composite fillings. The benefits include:

 

• The natural appearance. The tooth-colored fillings look better and are less noticeable than metal fillings. Unlike amalgam fillings, they do not tarnish the tooth by creating a grey shadow over time

• Require less drilling. Metal fillings do not bond to the tooth and require extensive drilling to create ledges to hold the material. Composite fillings bond to the tooth, so less drilling is required to secure them

• Effective adhesion. Unlike metal fillings that simply fill the hole, composite fillings bond to the tooth, strengthening it. It helps prevent further damage

• Composite fillings are easy to apply. The quick process means you do not have to spend much time at the dentist’s office

Disadvantages of Metal Fillings 

Metal or amalgam fillings have several disadvantages. They include:

 

• They are highly visible, making them unsightly

• Temperature changes can cause the material to expand and contract. It can loosen the filling over time, causing it to fall out

• Some people experience an allergic reaction to the metal fillings

• Mercury is a toxic substance, making its use in dental fillings controversial

Reasons to Get Composite Fillings 

If you currently have amalgam fillings, they can be replaced, but this usually depends on their condition. Removing fillings while they are still effective is not recommended as they can cause more harm to the tooth. If you have concerns, your dentist will examine your dental work to determine where replacement is necessary. Reasons to replace metal fillings include allergic reactions, health concerns, and cosmetic reasons.

If not treated, cavities become worse over time. If your dentist determines that you need a filling, you should get the treatment as soon as possible. Composite fillings can help repair tooth decay.

For more about composite dental fillings, contact Le Smile Aesthetic & Comprehensive Dentistry at our Falls Church, Virginia office. Call (703) 534-6226 to schedule an appointment today.