Why You Should Replace Your Metal Fillings

Even if you brush and floss every day and keep up with your routine dental checkups and cleanings, you’ll probably get a cavity at some point in your life. After all, tooth decay is extremely common; the CDC estimates that more than 90% of adults have had a cavity. Traditionally, decay was treated with amalgam (metal) fillings. However, new research suggests that metal fillings might actually worsen your oral health in the long run. Here’s why experts recommend that you replace metal fillings in Fort Worth and why tooth-colored fillings are a much better alternative.

Amalgam vs. Composite Resin: The Two Main Types of Fillings

When acids from the foods you eat and the bacteria in your mouth erode your enamel, the decayed structure must be removed and replaced. Traditional fillings replace this enamel with dental amalgam, a highly durable mixture of tin, copper, silver, and other metals.

Tooth-colored fillings, on the other hand, are made from composite resin – a combination of plastic, glass, and ceramic particles. While composite resin is putty-like in its original state, it can be hardened to attain virtually the same durability as amalgam.

With proper care, both types of fillings can last for 10-15 years. However, dentists typically recommend tooth-colored fillings in Fort Worth.

The Disadvantages of Metal Fillings

Here are some of the reasons why amalgam fillings are no longer the standard for treating cavities:

• Visible appearance – Metal fillings create a noticeable dark splotch in your smile.
• Damage to enamel – To make room for an amalgam filling, some enamel usually must be removed. Once in place, the metal can expand or contract when exposed to extreme temperatures, causing sensitivity and hairline fractures in the tooth.
• Trace amounts of mercury – Although the FDA reports that metal fillings are safe, studies have shown that having eight or more amalgam fillings may significantly increase the mercury levels in your blood.

Reasons to Get Tooth-Colored Fillings Instead

Dentists and patients alike tend to prefer tooth-colored fillings because of the numerous benefits they provide, such as:

• Seamless appearance – Composite resin can be shaded to the exact shade of your enamel, guaranteeing lifelike results.
• Preservation of healthy tooth structure – With their malleable nature and ability to directly bond with the tooth, little to no enamel needs to be removed to place a tooth-colored filling.
• Protection against sensitivity and bacteria – Composite resin remains the same size no matter the temperature. It also chemically bonds with enamel, making it more effective at shielding the inner layers of the tooth from sensitivity and bacteria.

If you have metal fillings, it’s time to talk to your dentist about getting them replaced. Your smile will be not only more aesthetically pleasing, but safer and healthier as well!

About the Author

Dr. Terry L. Drennan has been a family dentist in Fort Worth, TX since 1979. Through his memberships in the American Dental Association, the Texas Dental Association, and the Fort Worth District Dental Society, he has kept up to date on the latest dental research. That’s why he’s proud to offer tooth-colored fillings at Drennan Family Dentistry. To learn more about replacing metal fillings in Fort Worth, you can reach Dr. Drennan online or by calling (817) 732-5522.