|
Different materials
are used to "fill" a cavity in a tooth, give
it support, and prevent further decay. There are two
commonly used materials for filling teeth today, silver
amalgam and composite resin. While silver fillings have
been the standard material for many years, they can
look unsightly and do have some potential medical concerns.
silver fillings:
Silver amalgam has been the filling material of choice
for many years. However, a growing number of dentists
are becoming increasingly concerned about the safety
of silver amalgams. Silver fillings are composed of
35% silver, 15% tin, a little trace of zinc, and approximately
50% mercury.
It is the mercury that has these
dentists concerned, due to its high level of toxicity.
These dentists believe that over time, mercury vapor
is released from these fillings, thus endangering the
patient.
The American Dental Association
states that the mercury in dental amalgam is harmless;
however, they recommend that those individuals with
a weakened immune system, or mercury allergy should
avoid having amalgam fillings put in their mouths.
Silver amalgams are a very durable
filling material, and are less expensive than composite
resin materials. Silver fillings do have some drawbacks.
They are not aesthetically pleasing and over time may
cause teeth to turn gray. They also expand as they age,
which can cause teeth to crack or break.
comosite resin fillings:
Resin fillings are the same natural color as your own
teeth. They are often bonded to the tooth, which helps
to strengthen it. Composite resin fillings also require
the removal of less tooth structure than silver fillings,
allowing you to keep more of your natural tooth.
They are more expensive than
silver fillings but are considered to be a more conservative
treatment due to the fact that they strengthen the tooth.
If you currently have silver fillings,
they can be easily replaced with the composite fillings
to match your own teeth. If you have a new cavity, your
dentist will likely offer you the composite material
over silver fillings. The same composite material can
be used to improve the overall apperance of your teeth
as well, with composite dental
bonding.
cost: Composite, tooth-colored
fillings average in cost from $150 to $200 per tooth.
If you need to replace an old filling due to cracking
or loss of the filling, dental insurance may help pay
for part of the cost of the procedure.
results: Composite fillings
can last 5 to 10 years or more before needing replacement.
Back to Cosmetic
Dentistry Overview
Locate
A Cosmetic Dentist
See Before and After
Photos of Composite Fillings
See What You Would Look
Like With Cosmetic Dentistry
Read Articles About Tooth Colored
Fillings
Shop for Skincare and
Oral Hygiene Products
Finance Your Cosmetic
Dentistry Procedure
|
