Metal fillings offer many positive and beneficial components, including stability, longevity, and effectiveness. However, many issues can arise because of these traditional restorations. Dentists now provide an alternative – tooth-colored options that are more visually appealing and easier on existing tooth structures. Discover why many dental professionals recommend replacing metal fillings for a healthier smile.
The Dangers of Mercury
Metal fillings contain mercury, which is a metal that when liquified, releases vapors that can be inhaled and negatively impact the body’s organs. Although many researchers and experts do not believe it poses a serious threat to patients (and dental staff members), there is much evidence that states otherwise.
Its toxicity is one of the many reasons dentists are turning to tooth-colored fillings as a safer, biocompatible, and highly effective alternative.
The process of removing mercury fillings requires much preparation as well as proper safety measures, as exposure to the vapors is the real issue. Many offices that offer mercury removal implement safety protocols to keep all parties, including the dental office environment, better protected.
Allergic Reactions
Individuals who require dental fillings and who receive traditional metal ones are at risk for allergic reactions. While it does not occur in all patients, those with metal sensitivities can develop oral lesions and other allergic reactions. No matter if the material is mercury, silver, copper, or tin, dentists must offer another option for those who cannot receive these types of dental fillings.
Lack of Aesthetic Appeal
The aesthetics of a person’s teeth are not nearly as important as their oral health, but the appearance of a patient’s smile can have a lasting effect on their self-esteem. This is why many individuals choose to replace their metal fillings with tooth-colored ones. When talking, eating, or smiling, amalgam fillings can be easily seen by others, casting a spotlight on dental work.
To avoid the gossip of others and the embarrassment patients might feel when living with metal fillings, it is possible to have them removed and replaced with those that blend in with the natural smile. Made of a malleable substance known as composite resin, it is color-matched to the existing tooth enamel before filling the decayed area of the tooth. Once hardened and polished, others can’t detect any signs of dental work.
Traditional amalgam is still used in dental offices throughout the United States, but patients who prefer a less noticeable, more environmentally friendly option should discuss the possibility of removing existing metal and instead, replacing it with tooth-colored fillings.
About the Practice
At Grand Dental – Franklin Park, we have a team of three general dentists, an orthodontist, and a periodontist who all combine their experiences and skills to provide comprehensive dentistry in one location. We work hard to maintain a warm, comfortable environment where patients can relax and look forward to receiving high-quality care. If you have any questions about the types of materials used to craft dental fillings or other restorations, visit our website or call (847) 443-5120.