Fillings At The Dentist

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Have you been to the dentist to get fillings?

I went today and had three teeth filled. My husband had two teeth filled with the same dentist. I have had a few fillings in my life already, so I knew exactly what I wanted. I did not want a shot and I wanted the white (composite) fillings. The dentist did what I asked completely hassle free.

My husband, on the other hand, was "talked into" the silver (amalgam) fillings approximately three years prior. Since then we have researched the different kinds of fillings available and we discovered that the silver fillings contained approximately fifty percent of mercury and also contained silver, tin, and copper. My husband said the dentist was pushy with him and tried to persuade him into getting more silver fillings. My husband explained to him that he did not want them for very specific reasons. My husband had also mentioned that he was not particularly comfortable with getting shots in his gums. The dentist said the shots were necessary, when in fact, the shot is optional based on your comfort and whether or not you can maintain yourself and stay still while they drill your teeth.

If you are ever faced with this dilemma, I want you to be well informed of your options. The two most common types of fillings are Amalgam (silver) and composite (tooth colored). Knowing the pros and cons of each can help you make a comfortable decision.

Advantages of Composties

The composite filling integrates with the tooth. It doesn't weaken the tooth as a silver filling does. The dentist now can make a smaller hole, since the white material can flow into small places. Which means less drilling! Also, due to the smaller hole, there is more of your own tooth left, leaving it stronger. Secondary decay is easier to spot beneath tooth colored fillings, and if the composite filling gets damaged, they can be easily fixed. The composite fillings act as temperature and electrical insulators-resistant to extremes of heat and cold. They are a more natural, attractive choice. Composites are also environmentally safe (no hazardous metal wastes to dispose of) and no risk of mercury allergy. In some cases we can do an almost microscopic filling, by using air abrasion instead of the drill. These are often done without anesthetic if we catch them early enough. Composites bond to the tooth to support the remaining tooth to help prevent breakage and last with a range of 7-10 years.

Disadvantages of Composites

The presence of saliva can compromise the bonding process, which means the tooth may require isolation. This matter will not work well on wisdom teeth because there is no adjacent tooth to shore up the outer edge. They also have potential to leak. Many insurance companies might not cover them. They are a little more expensive but I am sure you heard before "you get what you pay for" and when it comes to your health you should consider paying for the healthier choice.

Advantages of Silver Amalgam

They are generally less expensive. A silver amalgam filling does not require such strict isolation of the tooth like the composites do require. The filling by itself is a stronger material, although it weakens the tooth. Silver fillings have a longer history of use than mercury-free fillings, thus some feel that they are more tried and tested.

Disadvantages of Silver Amalgam

They are dark and not very attractive. They are harder therefore they weaken the tooth and may cause more trips to the dentist. They contain mercury. Healthy parts of the tooth must also be destroyed to accommodate this type of filling.