All About Amalgams and Composite Resin

Dental fillings are perhaps the most typical dental procedure that people undergo. You probably know someone who has one, or you do. 

Our family dentist in Davie will tell us everything there is to know about tooth-colored fillings near you, as well as metal fillings. However, you must consult with a dental professional before deciding what is best for you.

Metal Fillings

Metal fillings, also known as amalgams, were very popular decades ago. Some doctors still use them; however, aesthetics has gained much value these days, and many individuals opt for tooth-colored fillings in Davie.

Nevertheless, they do work and have benefits. Let’s review them and their cons as well.

Pros of Amalgams

Durability – They may last for many decades and even up to a lifetime.

Quick procedure – Placing an amalgam is simple because the dental piece doesn’t need to be completely dried, which makes the process faster and easier.

Safe material - We want to list the safety of these fillings among their benefits because today, many people believe that the mercury amalgams contain is harmful to their health. It is a misconception, and the amount of mercury that remains in the tooth is minuscule and even swept away later. You may find out more about this on The American Dental Association (ADA) website.

Cons of Amalgams

Aesthetics – They don’t look natural at all. On the contrary, amalgams darken your tooth, not looking pleasant to the eye.

You cannot repair them – Your doctor will replace the whole amalgam in case of a crack, unlike tooth-colored fillings that are repairable in some cases.

More invasive – Your dental professional will remove a larger área of healthy tooth structure before placing the amalgam to ensure that it stays put.

Tooth-Colored Fillings

As their name suggests, they are fillings that match the unique color of your teeth. They are made of composite resin, and a dentist near you may restore your dentition using these if the cavity is not extremely large.

Pros of Composite Resin

Less invasive – The procedure is less invasive, as the doctor doesn’t need to remove tooth structure beyond the decayed area. 

Natural look – You won’t even notice which part of the tooth is your natural structure and which one is composite resin. These fillings come in many shades, and your dental professional will ensure to select the one that matches your tooth perfectly. You will look and feel natural afterward.

Reparable – If your tooth-colored filling has a chip, it may be possible not to replace the entire composite resin but only repair the damaged area.

Cons of Composite Resin

Longer procedure – For proper bonding, your dental professional needs to condition the tooth before placing the composite resin, which takes more time than placing an amalgam. Also, the work area must be dried, which can be difficult in some cases, such as patients who cannot widely open their mouth or produce many salivae.

Not for larger cavities – If the cavity is large, it’s best to opt for other types of tooth-colored fillings, such as porcelain dental crowns, as composite resin may crack if the natural tooth structure is too small.

Not stain-resistant – Composite resin will get stained due to consuming colored foods and drinks in time. Porcelain fillings, on the contrary, are stain-resistant.

Selecting the correct tooth filling will depend on the wants and needs of every patient. Remember that every case is different, and dentistry is not one-size-fits-all. 

If you have any other questions, feel free to visit our dental clinic. Our team of experts will evaluate you and advise on the best dental filling for your case. 


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