In the battle between silver vs. tooth-colored dental fillings, the latter reigns supreme as multiple studies show that metal fillings pose health risks.
The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research reported that a staggering 92 percent of adults aged 20 to 64 have had dental caries (cavities) in their permanent teeth. Meanwhile, 26 percent of men and women have untreated cavities. Since tooth decay is so common, the dental specialists here at Cunning Dental Group have decided to discuss your treatment options.
Here's what you need to know about metal vs. non-metal fillings. Should you develop a cavity — or maybe you already have one — you can make a well-informed decision about which type of filling is best for you.
Metal vs. Non-Metal Fillings in Southern California: The Basics
Silver-colored fillings, also called dental amalgams, comprise a combination of metals such as silver, copper, tin, zinc, and mercury. Non-metal fillings, also referred to as composite resin fillings or white fillings, are made of ceramic and plastic.
Both silver and white fillings restore full functionality and aesthetics to a damaged tooth. Fillings prevent plaque or bacteria from accumulating inside dental caries, which could cause serious infections. They also reinforce the tooth to prevent it from cracking, chipping, or breaking inward from trauma.
What You Need to Know About Metal Fillings
Metal fillings are incredibly durable, which makes them a good choice for teeth that withstand a lot of force, such as molars. However, did you know metal fillings contain about 50 percent mercury? Mercury is a highly toxic element. In fact, a 2011 study revealed that there is no known safe level for exposure to mercury.
If you have a metal filling or two, a small amount of mercury from each filling (around 2 to 20 micrograms a day) is released into your body every time you chew. Chewing gum is particularly problematic as it releases a greater amount of toxic mercury into your system. What's more, drinking coffee and other hot beverages, which elevates the temperature in your mouth, can encourage the release of mercury vapors.
The effects of mercury-laden metal fillings are alarming. They are one of the top contributors to mercury poisoning. As a result of the latter, a wide range of health problems can arise, including insomnia, headaches, tremors, nerve damage, respiratory failure, and kidney problems. To make matters worse, according to a recent study from the University of Washington, even the low-level release of mercury into the body from a silver filling can lead to long-term brain damage.
It is important to understand that pregnant women have a much higher risk of experiencing the dangers of metal fillings. The Food and Drug Administration noted that mercury vapors may have devastating impacts on the health of unborn fetuses and children.
Here in the United States, metal fillings are still prevalent and have been used to repair the teeth of more than 100 million American men and women. Yet time and time again, studies show that dental amalgams expose people to the harmful effects of mercury.
What You Need to Know About Non-Metal Fillings
One of the many benefits of non-metal fillings from Cunning Dental Group is the color. If a highly visible tooth in your mouth develops a cavity, you may prefer a tooth-colored filling over a conspicuous silver one.
If you review our website's dedicated landing page for non-metal fillings, you will learn that "Until recently, dental patients were often told that cosmetically superior tooth-colored restorations were not as durable as traditional metal-based restorations. This philosophy is now possible. With the modern technologies of dental adhesion, resins, lasers, and the state-of-the-art ceramics, new tooth-colored restorations are close to rivalling a natural tooth in strength, wear and function, and appearance."
Top reasons to choose composite resin over dental amalgam include:
They look better and blend in with the rest of your teeth. A dentist can match your tooth-colored composite filling to your own enamel to achieve a natural-looking and aesthetically-pleasing result. No one will be able to tell that you ever had a cavity.
They preserve your teeth. Because composite resin fillings are bonded to your natural tooth structure, they allow for a conservative preparation that preserves more healthy teeth. Amalgam fillings, which a dentist must hold in place mechanically, require more aggressive prepping.
They prevent tooth decay. The advanced bonding techniques used when placing non-metal fillings not only seal the margins, but they also keep out saliva and food particles to prevent decay.
They are better for your oral health. As mentioned previously, metal fillings can expand and contract microscopically with temperature changes in the mouth. In consequence, the enamel can weaken and lead to tooth fracture. Choosing non-metal fillings from a qualified dentist near Montclair, CA could prevent unnecessary tooth fracture.
Perhaps the most important advantage of all is that tooth-colored fillings do not present the same dangers as silver fillings.
What to Do If You Have a Silver Filling
Since mercury is poisonous to your body, it should not be in your mouth. The longer you have metal fillings, the more mercury you may have in your system and the more it may affect your health.
It will be difficult to extract the mercury present in your body, but you can prevent it from further accumulation. Fortunately, replacing metal fillings with a non-toxic alternative is a common dental procedure.
Are You Interested in Removing Your Metal Fillings?
Here at Cunning Dental, we understand the dangers of mercury and silver fillings. As one of Southern California's leading dental practices, your safety is our priority and we will never use mercury amalgam fillings. Instead, we employ effective tooth-colored fillings.
Non-metal fillings offer many advantages over mercury fillings, including but not limited to:
They are completely non-toxic
The material is strong, durable, and long-lasting
The natural coloring can match the shade of your tooth
It involves the removal of less natural tooth structure
If you have a metal filling, now is the time to remove and replace them with a tooth-colored filling. Please contact us at (855) 328-6646 to schedule your appointment. Our dental team would love to meet you, answer any questions you may have, discuss your options, and enhance your smile.
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