Dental fillings are an important part of maintaining oral health. Tooth decay and cavities are among the most common medical problems faced by adults around the world. Dental fillings are essential for filling cavities and preventing further deterioration of oral health.
There are two main types of dental fillings offered by our dentist in Edina – composite and amalgam fillings. When it comes to these filling materials, both come with their benefits and drawbacks. In this article, our team at 44th Street Dental discusses both options to give you a better understanding.
Why Are Dental Fillings Important?
Before diving into the pros and cons of dental filling types, let’s first understand what dental fillings are and how they benefit oral health. Dental fillings are created to replace tooth decay and restore a tooth’s strength, appearance, and structure. Although dental enamel is the strongest tissue in your entire body, it is still vulnerable to bacteria.
Plaque is a naturally occurring mix of bacteria and minerals that forms on teeth. As plaque builds up on the gum line, bacteria accumulate. When you ingest sugars and starches, the bacteria on your teeth feed on these particles as well, creating an acidic environment in your mouth. Acid softens your tooth enamel, leading to decay and tooth sensitivity and allowing bacteria to enter your tooth and cause cavities. If not addressed by a dentist near you, this decay can make its way to the pulp of your tooth, resulting in the need for root canal therapy or tooth extraction.
When you come to 44th Street Dental for dental fillings, our dentist will numb your affected tooth and remove any decay or bacteria. They will then thoroughly disinfect your tooth and apply a dental filling into the hole to restore the tooth’s structure and strength.
Pros and Cons of Composite Fillings
Also known as tooth-colored fillings, composite fillings in Edina are made from a mixture of ceramic and acrylic that can be matched to your natural teeth so that they blend in with your smile. Composite fillings near you allow you to maintain most of your natural tooth structure and are an aesthetically pleasing restorative option.
Composite fillings tend to be more costly than amalgam fillings, and they are not quite as durable, lasting about seven to ten years.
Pros and Cons of Amalgam Fillings
Also called metal fillings, these fillings are made from a combination of metals such as silver, zinc, mercury, and copper. Compared to composite fillings, they are more affordable and offer longer-lasting results, providing restorations for up to fifteen years. Because of the metal used, amalgam fillings are very resistant to damage and are an excellent choice for larger areas of decay.
In recent years, amalgam fillings have become less popular due to the mercury used in the material. Mercury is a heavy metal, and some patients have a bad reaction to it. Furthermore, amalgam fillings are noticeable when smiling or laughing, making them a less aesthetically appealing choice.
Which Filling is Right For Me?
If you require a dental filling on a tooth close to the front of your mouth that can be easily noticed when smiling or laughing, then a composite filling is the superior choice. However, if you require a dental filling on a back molar, an amalgam filling might be best for its durability and longevity. If you are unsure which filling material is best for your needs, speak to our dentist at 44th Street Dental. Our team is happy to assist you and answer any questions or concerns you may have.