Filling Replacement

Amalgam vs Composite Fillings

Amalgam is a mix of metals that has been the most prominent  filling material utilized as a part of dentistry for 150. At times it is called “silver amalgam” . Amalgam  comprises of a blend of metals like silver, mercury, tin and copper. Small amounts of zinc, indium or palladium can be included in mixture.

With studies done over the past 150 years and in comparison with its counter part the composite filling, amalgam is used less  and less. This is due to the following :

• Esthetics – Dental amalgam does not duplicate tooth shading and over time changes shading from silver to dark.
• The sacrifice of healthy tooth structure– Removal of healthy tooth material is required to satisfy and maintain the quality of the dental amalgam.
• Weakening of the tooth – Dental amalgam expands after some time and might prompt tooth cracking, particularly since dental amalgam is regularly used in large load bearing areas.
• A presence of bound basic mercury and different metals – Concerns with respect to poisonous quality and sensitivity are mounting concerns.

REPLACING YOUR AMALGAM FILLINGS

The choice to change your dental amalgams should not be taken seriously. What you need to consider is the choice of replacement material. There are two primary alternatives:

 

 

• COMPOSITE FILLINGS

 A composite filling is a tooth-shaped plastic and glass mixture used to restore decayed teeth. Composites are also used for cosmetic enhancement of your smile, by changing the color of the teeth or reshaping disfigured teeth. This material requires less drilling than with amalgam fillings. This means that we do not need to shape the space too much in order to hold the filling safely.

• PORCELAIN FILLINGS 

These are used for teeth with huge holes in areas where the most chewing pressure is needed, porcelain fillings are by far the best alternative. Porcelain fillings are matched with your tooth color, wiping out any proof that a filling exists there. Porcelain fillings are the best and most dependable fillings. Unlike metal fillings, porcelain fillings have the additional advantage of being both wear-proof and impenetrable to heat changes.