Amalgam fillings have been used since the early 1900s to repair tooth decay and cavities. In recent years, however, the mercury content in silver fillings has many patients wondering if they should have those restorations replaced. Besides getting rid of the tin grin, should you have your silver fillings replaced with tooth-colored ones?
Do You Need to Have Your Silver Fillings Replaced?
We, at Dental Care of Greensboro, do not recommend replacing silver fillings unless they are defective or damaged. Although some concerns have come up over the years about the safety of mercury in dental amalgam, the American Dental Association supports the use of silver fillings as a safe, reliable, and effective treatment option for dental decay. In fact, there has been no evidence that your oral health is better off having amalgam fillings replaced with alternative materials.
Silver fillings should be treated just like any other filling material. We recommend replacing them if they show signs of decay, cracks, chips, or poor margins. Moreover, you may opt to remove your amalgam restorations and replace them with composite resin ones to get rid of the silver color and enhance the appearance of your smile.
The Advantages of Composite Resin Fillings
Composite resin or tooth-colored fillings are virtually invisible and can be closely matched to your natural teeth, leaving you with more visually pleasing results than amalgam fillings. In the past, dentists did not prefer to use composites on back teeth because they did not deliver the same strength as amalgam fillings. However, today’s modern composite filling material is much stronger and more durable, allowing it to repair molars with success.
Composite resin fillings offer multiple benefits. Unlike their amalgam counterparts that require the removal of some healthy tooth structure along with the decayed parts of the tooth, white fillings are bonded to the cavity, requiring only the removal of the decay and delivering strength and resiliency to the tooth.
Quality Dental Care in Greensboro
Visit Dental Care of Greensboro to determine if replacing your silver fillings with composite ones is right for you. We will evaluate your current restorations and will recommend the option that’s best for your unique needs. You can always trust us for care and services that exceed your expectations. Call us and schedule your appointment today!