At Riviera Smiles Dentistry, we know that taking care of your teeth is super important. One common issue people face is cavities. Cavities happen when your tooth gets a hole due to decay. When you have a cavity, your dentist will usually recommend getting a filling. Fillings help to restore the tooth and prevent further decay.
The Old Way: Metal Fillings
For many years, dentists used metal fillings to fix cavities. These were often called amalgam fillings. They were made of a mixture of metals, including silver, tin, copper, and mercury. The reason dentists used metal fillings was because they thought the hard metal would make the tooth stronger and more durable.
Metal fillings were very common because they were strong and lasted a long time. They were also cheaper than some other options. However, over time, people started to realize that there might be problems with using metal fillings.
What are the Concerns About Metal Fillings?
One of the biggest concerns with metal fillings is that they contain mercury. Mercury is a metal that can give off vapor. This vapor can be absorbed by your body when you breathe or swallow. Some studies have suggested that mercury vapor could be harmful to your health. This has made the use of metal fillings very controversial.
There are different opinions about how dangerous metal fillings are. Some experts say that the amount of mercury vapor from fillings is too small to cause harm. Others believe that even a small amount of mercury vapor is unsafe. Because of these concerns, many people and dentists prefer to avoid metal fillings when possible.
Metal Fillings and Tooth Damage
Another issue with metal fillings is that they can damage the tooth structure. Metal fillings don’t bond to the tooth as well as other materials. This can cause the tooth to crack or break over time. The metal can also expand and contract with temperature changes, which can lead to further damage to the tooth.
When a metal filling is placed, the dentist has to remove more of the healthy tooth structure to make room for the filling. This can make the tooth weaker. Because of these problems, dentists started looking for better ways to fill cavities.
The New Way: Metal-Free Fillings
Today, most dentists recommend using metal-free fillings. These fillings are made from materials like composite resin or porcelain. These materials are tooth-colored, so they look more natural. They also bond better to the tooth, which helps to make the tooth stronger and more durable.
Composite resin fillings are made from a mixture of plastic and tiny glass particles. They are placed in layers and hardened with a special light. This makes them very strong and durable. Composite fillings also require less removal of the healthy tooth structure, which helps to keep the tooth strong.
Porcelain fillings, also known as ceramic fillings, are another option. These are custom-made to fit your tooth and are very strong. They are also very resistant to staining, so they stay looking nice for a long time.
What are the Advantages of Metal-Free Fillings?
There are many benefits to using metal-free fillings. First, they are safer because they do not contain mercury. This eliminates the risk of mercury vapor exposure. Second, they bond better to the tooth, which helps to keep the tooth strong and prevents further damage. Third, they look more natural, so you don’t have to worry about your filling being noticeable.
Metal-free fillings are also less likely to cause tooth sensitivity. Metal fillings can sometimes make your tooth more sensitive to hot and cold temperatures. Composite and porcelain fillings do not have this problem, so they can make your tooth more comfortable.
At Riviera Smiles Dentistry, we believe that metal-free fillings are the best choice for most patients. They are safer, stronger, and look better than metal fillings. If you have a cavity, your dentist will help you choose the best type of filling for your needs. By using metal-free fillings, we can help keep your smile healthy and beautiful for many years to come.
Remember, taking care of your teeth by brushing, flossing, and visiting the dentist regularly can help prevent cavities in the first place. But if you do get a cavity, know that there are safe and effective ways to fix it.
