Dental fillings are one of the most common dental procedures done by dentists. Patients have to get dental fillings in order to treat cavities. However, fillings can be easily used to correct minor aesthetical problems as well. Dental fillings nowadays have come a long way from traditional amalgam fillings. Now you can find many different types of fillings available, each with its own set of benefits and drawbacks. A similar option to metal amalgam fillings are white fillings (composite fillings). The latter has proven to be a more durable and visually appealing choice. In this blog post, we are going to cover everything you need to know about amalgam and white fillings, including their differences, similarities, uses and procedures.
What Are Dental Fillings?
Dental fillings are a type of restorative dentistry treatment. Dentists use them to repair cavities or fix minor chips and cracks in your teeth. To repair a cavity, dentists remove the decayed tooth tissue and then fill the space with a filling material. When you need a filling it is important to understand the pros and cons of each type of material.
White Fillings
Composite fillings use a mixture of glass particles, resin and a setting ingredient. The end-product is a white colored filling that blends really well with the natural tooth. This is especially beneficial when it comes to making corrections to the front teeth. For this reason, white fillings are the preferred choice for people who wish to correct their imperfections in a seamless manner.
Amalgam Fillings
Amalgam fillings are made of a different number of metallic elements, including silver, copper, tin and the most controversial option, mercury. The latter is what has given rise to people’s concern, as mercury in liquid form is a highly toxic material. Nevertheless, studies have shown that when used in dental fillings, mercury doesn’t pose a threat to the patient. However, these concerns have definitely influenced the shift towards alternative dental filling materials such as composite fillings.
Another important element you should consider is the color of amalgam fillings. Amalgam fillings are dark and they can sometimes appear when the patient smiles or laughs. Therefore, the aesthetics are a good reason why people prefer white fillings.
Are White Fillings Better Than Amalgam?
White fillings are much stronger than those from several years ago. Moreover, they are bonded to the tooth to effectively seal the margin. Amalgam fillings simply plug the hole, without sealing the margins or reinforcing the teeth. Nevertheless, amalgam fillings that are strong and well-placed can last for several years with no problem. Modern white fillings are also much stronger than they used to be. When placed properly they can last for many many years. However, the technique used when placing them is a crucial factor in determining their longevity. An experienced dentist will be able to keep the tooth free of contamination once the sealing and filling procedure starts. That’s because saliva can cause the materials not to stick to the structure of the tooth. If that happens, the seal will be compromised and the filling will fail in a short period of time. In this regard, amalgam fillings are more forgiving. Nevertheless, proper technique is vital to the durability of all types of dental fillings, thus you must make sure to choose a specialized and experienced dentist.
What Does A Dental Filling Procedure Involve?
The exact steps of the procedure may vary depending on the material you choose. However, as a general guide, here is what happens during a dental filling procedure:
- Your dentist will first numb the area around the tooth using local anesthesia.
- If you are getting a filling to treat tooth decay, your dentist will begin by removing the damaged and decayed tissue from your tooth. He will use specialized tools in order to thoroughly clean the area, preparing a clean slate for the filling material.
- Once this step has been completed, your dentist will fill the hole with the chosen filling material.
- If you are getting a dental filling made of resin composite, your dentist will use a dental curing light to harden the material.
- Then, he will polish and smooth any rough or sharp edges.
- Your dentist will carefully check your bite several times to ensure that everything feels normal.
Advantages Of White Fillings
A white filling can be easily matched to the color of your surrounding tooth. This is especially useful when using filling to correct chips or cracks in your teeth. White fillings don’t have the same potential environmental risk posed by the mercury in amalgam fillings. Some people even report that they find the experience after the treatment less troublesome, with minimal discomfort and sensitivity. In some cases, amalgam fillings can hide tooth decay from x-rays or dental check-ups. In addition, teeth treated with white fillings are less prone to cracking. For an amalgam filling to stay in place, the base of the filling needs to be a bit wider than the neck. This means that in many cases, some healthy tooth may need to be drilled away, which in turn weakens the remaining tooth.
Disadvantages Of White Fillings
Even though most patients would rather choose white fillings, there are cons which you should consider before proceeding with your treatment. First of all, white fillings are usually more expensive than amalgam fillings. Moreover, filling cavities with composite filling is a slightly more skilled procedure compared to amalgam fillings. Therefore, you should make sure to find a qualified dentist. In addition, white fillings take a little bit longer to place than amalgam fillings, which can be a drawback for patients who are in a rush.
Advantages Of Amalgam Fillings
Amalgam fillings are very durable and capable of lasting for years. Surely, proper care is vital to the longevity of your amalgam fillings. Thanks to their strength, amalgam fillings can be used to fill fairly large cavities within the teeth. Moreover, the lower expense of amalgam fillings is a huge advantage for patients on a budget. Their fast hardening capability can make treatment less stressful for kids or special needs patients.
Disadvantages Of Amalgam Fillings
Even though the mercury levels found in amalgam fillings are considered safe for the patient, amalgam fillings require a larger amount of the healthy tooth to be drilled down. Therefore, the structural integrity of your teeth may be safe with white fillings. Moreover, amalgam fillings are noticeable due to their dark color. Even if you are using amalgam fillings on the back teeth, the dark color can be seen when you laugh or open your mouth. In addition, in some cases amalgam fillings may contract or expand due to exposure to high temperatures. This process may result in the filling breaking or chipping. Moreover, keep in mind that some dentists may no longer choose to perform amalgam fillings in their office.
How To Help Your Dental Filling Last?
It is important that you take proper care of your mouth after getting a dental filling, no matter the type. Regular brushing and flossing after every meal will help you maintain your overall dental health and prolong the longevity of your fillings, while preventing tooth decay and cavities. If you are experiencing sensitivity right after the procedure, try switching to a new toothbrush. We recommend that you pick a toothbrush with soft bristles. Moreover, look for a toothpaste that is suitable for sensitive teeth, at least until you are pain-free. Many dentists suggest using fluoride toothpaste as well, as this will help extend the lifespan of your dental filling.
You should also make it a habit to floss once a day after eating and continue to take care of your gums. Be gentle when brushing your teeth after getting your dental filling, try to avoid spicy or sticky food for the first few days and be mindful of very hot or very cold temperatures. You can try chewing on the other side of your mouth right after the procedure to prevent irritation. Here is a short dental filling checklist that you should keep in mind after getting your fillings done:
- Make sure to avoid biting down on hard food or objects.
- Avoid sticky foods, especially during the first few days after the procedure.
- Always make sure to brush your teeth regularly. Don’t forget to floss as well!
- Go to your regular dental visits. Tooth decay doesn’t show signs right away, so regular check-ups are vital!
- Switch to a fluoride toothpaste and a soft bristle toothbrush.
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