Chances are that you every one of us has had a cavity filled at least once in our lives. It is common knowledge that fillings can help restore a decaying tooth back to its original function and shape, possibly eliminating pain as well. However, not many people know that there are actually different types of dental fillings. If the last time you got a filling was recent, it is highly probable that it was a composite filling instead of a metal one. If you take a look at the teeth of your elderly parents or relatives, you might see gold or silver fillings that are obvious because of the difference in color from the tooth. On the other hand, composite fillings are much preferred in this day and age because they can match the color of our teeth and have many other benefits as well. These advantages will be discussed below.

How do Fillings Work?

Before we compare metal and composite fillings, it is important to understand exactly how fillings work. Typically, a dentist would start off by administering local anesthetic to prevent the patient from feeling any pain in the infected area. After the dentist has ensured that the anesthetic is properly administered, they will then take out the decayed regions of the tooth so that they can fill it up. The dentist will then place the composite resin in the cavity and mold it into the desired shape. Once the composite filling has been placed, it will be hardened with a dental curing light, followed by the polishing of the tooth. Fillings help to maintain the structure of a decaying tooth while preventing further decay by preventing any more bacteria from entering the tooth.

The Main Concerns About Metal Fillings

The main worry that people have about metal fillings is that they contain mercury. Of course, it is inevitable that everyone is exposed to minute quantities of mercury through the food that we eat and the water that we consume. Furthermore, it has been shown that the mercury released from metal fillings are unlikely to cause any detrimental harm to our health.

However, you definitely should avoid metal fillings if you are already exposed to higher doses of mercury in your job. Studies have shown that pregnant women should avoid fillings with mercury as well. In conclusion, opting for composite fillings will help you to stay on the safe side.

Advantages of Getting Composite Fillings Instead of Metal Fillings

Some of the benefits of getting composite fillings instead of metal ones include the following:

• They can blend in with the natural color of your teeth, making it look more natural and aesthetically pleasing.
• Composite fillings do not contain any mercury.
• Unlike traditional amalgam fillings, composite fillings are much more durable because they are bonded strongly to the tooth. On the other hand, most metal fillings are merely wedged into the cavity.

The most important thing to take note is that regardless of the filling that you decide is best suited for your situation, it has to restore your decaying tooth. A good filling has to be able to prevent the infecting tooth from suffering from any future damage. If you find that you have a cavity, visit your dentist as soon as possible to mitigate the problem immediately.