Metal fillings have been around for a long time, and there’s no denying they’ve played a major role in helping millions of people recover from tooth decay. But as useful as metal fillings have been, there’s also no denying that they have a downside, both aesthetically and potentially from a health perspective.
Abir Faraj, DDS, helps patients at Novi Family Dentistry in Novi, Michigan, overcome the challenges of metal fillings by replacing them with durable, biocompatible, tooth-colored resin or porcelain fillings. Here’s how these fillings compare and what steps are required to replace metal fillings with composite alternatives.
Nearly every American has had at least one cavity, according to data from the National Institutes of Health, and that means most everyone has had a dental filling.
When you have a cavity, the decayed portion of your tooth must be removed. Fillings replace the removed tooth material, preserving both the integrity and strength of your tooth as well as your bite balance.
Metal fillings are made of a mixture or amalgam of materials which is why they’re often referred to as metal amalgam fillings. That mixture includes copper, tin, silver, and mercury. In fact, mercury makes up about half of a filling’s weight, providing strength while helping bind the other metals into a uniform product.
Unfortunately, metal is bad for your health — very bad. While intact fillings are considered safe in most instances, if your fillings are old, damaged, or worn, they may leak a small amount of mercury, which is enough to make many people look for alternatives.
Porcelain and composite resin fillings use biocompatible materials to perform the same job as metal fillings but with additional advantages.
Composites can be flowed onto your tooth surface, creating a bond that prevents future decay around the filling edges. Metal fillings don’t form that kind of seamless bond, and over time, decay- and infection-causing bacteria can seep into your tooth along the edges of the amalgam filling, increasing your risk of future problems.
Tinted to match your natural tooth, composite and porcelain fillings are also virtually invisible, unlike metal fillings that become darker and even more visible with age. Tooth-colored fillings are a great way to strengthen your teeth and restore your beautiful, healthy smile following tooth decay or traumatic damage.
Porcelain and composite resins are biocompatible, meaning your body adapts to the materials better. In addition to being mercury-free, biocompatible fillings are a great option for anyone with allergies or sensitivities to metals.
Dr. Faraj uses special techniques to replace worn, damaged, dark metal fillings with state-of-the-art biocompatible options, reducing mercury exposure while giving you a more beautiful, healthier smile.
To learn about having your metal fillings replaced, call 313-646-7903 or book an appointment online at Novi Family Dentistry today.
