When you develop decay, the dentist must remove the damaged area and repair your teeth. Usually, your dentist will use a dental filling for the restoration. Two types of dental fillings exist. Talk with your dentist about the pros and cons of each. The following information with give you an overview of your filling options:

Amalgam Fillings

For years, dentists have used amalgam metal fillings to repair teeth damaged by cavities. These fillings aren’t as expensive as composites, and they offer durability, especially for back teeth. Amalgam fillings do contain mercury, and questions have arisen about whether these fillings can contribute to overexposure to mercury, which can cause health concerns. As well, amalgam fillings darken with time, which can detract from your smile’s appearance. If they crack or leak, which can happen due to wear, more decay can develop in and around the compromised filling.

Composite Fillings

At one time, composite fillings were used just for patients who were concerned about how the metal feelings might impact their smiles. Recently, the mercury in amalgam fillings has come under fire for potential health concern. Now, tooth-colored fillings are becoming the accepted standard.

Designed to blend in with your natural tooth coloring, composite fillings offer other benefits as well. With composite fillings, your dentist can leave more of the healthy tooth structure in tact, allowing for more conservative repairs. Because tooth-colored fillings bond to the tooth, they won’t leak or change shape over time. Many patients have opted to start replacing their metal fillings with these tooth-colored alternatives.

Schedule a consult at Dr. Yolanda Cruz Dentistry – Toronto Dental Office – General and Cosmetic Dentistry