Silver tooth fillings, also known as amalgam, have been receiving the brunt of controversy in the dentistry world. For a long time, this material was most commonly used to fill cavities in teeth, in part because of their low cost and accessibility. You may have or even know someone that have parts of molars filled in with the shiny material that can be visible from far away. With the new technology available today, should you keep your amalgam fillings, or replace them with a new type of material? Read on to find out.
As stated before, amalgam was the go-to material used to fill in cavities for the last 150 years. This amalgam isn’t just composed of silver. However, it can be made up of mercury, silver, tin, and copper. Dentists in Granville usually prefer amalgam because of how easy it is to work with as opposed to resin composites made of plastic or ceramic compounds. There has been a controversy surrounding this filling because of one particular material in the amalgam, mercury. Mercury has been linked to different health issues, such as tremors, headaches, and emotional changes. The American dental association, however, maintains that mercury is, in fact, safe and affordable.
The material your filling is made of should be made by you and your dentist together. By having a thorough discussion, weighing the positives and the negatives, a solution can be found to make sure your teeth stay healthy.
Any questions you may have about your fillings can be answered at Town & Country Dentistry. Don’t hesitate to call us and have your first consultation. You’re closer to a healthier smile and a healthier you than you think!
We want you to have a great experience at Town & Country Dentistry. We value your time and look forward to seeing you soon!
