Why Composite Fillings Are Safer Than Metal

Even though metal fillings have been used for well over a century, many patients and their dentists now prefer composite fillings. If your dentist has recently told you that you need fillings, then you might want to spend some time studying the many benefits of modern composite fillings.

The Importance of Fillings

When tooth decay develops, a dentist will need to remove the damaged dentin on the outside of the tooth right away. Untreated decay will eventually spread to the interior pulp of the tooth, and that usually causes irreversible damage. Luckily, most of those issues can be avoided entirely with the proper treatment plan. Once the filling is in place, the infection shouldn’t spread to the interior of the tooth or the nearby soft tissue.

Understanding Metal Amalgam Fillings

Metal amalgam fillings have been a popular treatment option for decades, and they can be effective in some situations. The biggest benefit of metal fillings is the fact that they are very durable, but it is important to realize that they are sometimes harmful as well. If a patient is allergic to the metal that is used, they will experience a wide array of unwanted side effects including pain, inflammation, and extreme sensitivity.

Cosmetic Issues

Many patients also believe that metal fillings are very unsightly, and it is difficult to hide that material in the mouth. The filling might stop the infection from spreading, but you could end up struggling with cosmetic issues. These fillings are especially conspicuous when they are placed near the front of the mouth or directly on top of a patient’s teeth. In order to avoid all of those issues, you should consider metal-free fillings now and in the future.

Benefits of Composite Fillings

Composite fillings are nearly invisible once they are in the mouth, and they can be stained to perfectly match the natural color of your teeth. While some patients are allergic to composite fillings, those cases are incredibly rare. You will most likely notice absolutely no side effects once the composite fillings have fully cured. With the proper aftercare, modern composite fillings typically last for at least 5 or 10 years.

No matter what type of fillings you end up getting, you must make sure that your tooth decay is treated right away. Ignoring your tooth decay could result in a serious infection down the road, and the tooth might need to be completely removed if the germs spread.