Dental Fillings: Amalgam vs Composite Dental Fillings from Carter Sinclair Cosmetic Dentistry
Carter Sinclair Cosmetic Dentistry had released articles relating to dental fillings. This will help in choosing which dental filling is appropriate for those who wish to undergo dental fillings treatment. Carter Sinclair Cosmetic Dentistry listed some of the procedures of the treatments for amalgam and composite dental fillings. Carter Sinclair Cosmetic Dentistry also listed some of the advantages and disadvantages of having either amalgam or composite dental fillings.
A dental filling is a type of restorative dentistry treatment used to restore minimal tooth fractures, tooth decay or damaged surfaces of the teeth. Dental filling materials, which include composite, porcelain and silver amalgam, may be used to even out tooth surfaces for better biting or chewing. Tooth sensitivity caused by enamel loss will be significantly improved or completely eliminated once an appropriate dental filling material is placed. But in some cases, depending on the extent of tooth decay or damage, the affected tooth may require additional or alternative procedures.
Dentist examines your teeth, gums and supporting bone structure. He identifies the number of tooth surfaces affected by decay or damage, and then prepares the tooth and necessary surrounding areas in order to restore the damaged area. The decay or damage is removed with a dental hand-piece or laser, and the area is cleansed to remove bacteria or debris before the restoration. A dental filling is usually a two-part step. First is the removal of decaying tooth matter, caused by cavities, or alternately, the removal of damaged tooth matter caused by injury. Secondly, the dentist applies different materials, to fill the removed portion of the tooth, which allows the person to have full function of that tooth.
The two most common types of fillings are Amalgam and composite. Carter Sinclair Cosmetic Dentistry listed some of its advantages and disadvantages to help you decide in choosing the right filling.
Amalgam (silver) Fillings
Traditionally, amalgam fillings have been made out of a mixture of elemental mercury (which comprises the bulk of the mixture), silver, tin, and copper. Some dentists may add other metals as well. Together, these metals form a very strong, durable bond. Because of the bond between these metals, amalgam fillings are perfect for restoring molars, where there are strong bite forces.
Advantages include:
– The combination of the metals in amalgam fillings are known to resist bacteria
– Amalgam fillings are easier to place and work with to adequately fill the space
– Less expensive than composite fillings
– Historically last longer than composite fillings
Disadvantages include:
– Short-term sensitivity to hot or cold (usually just after the filling is placed)
– They are very visible when laughing, smiling, or talking
– More drilling may be required
Composite Fillings
Composite materials, from which inlays and other dental restorations are made, are usually a mixture of glass or quartz filler in a resin form. Once set, usually with the aid of a light device, this resin forms a durable surface resistant to fracture in most areas where there is moderate chewing pressure. Traditionally, composite fillings have been reserved for bicuspids (the tooth directly before the molars), where there is usually less bite force.
Advantages include:
– Composite fillings are tooth colored and not noticeable
– Composite fillings do not contain any metals
– Composite fillings do not require as much preparation and drilling out of tooth material
Disadvantages include:
– Composite fillings traditionally have not lasted as long as amalgam fillings—although improvements in dental technologies have improved longevity significantly
– Composite fillings require more specific training in the techniques to provide an effective, aesthetically pleasing result
– Some earlier versions of composite fillings have actually been shown to encourage growth of microorganisms.
Visit Carter Sinclair Cosmetic Dentistry http://www.cartersinclair.net for other valuable information in cosmetic dentistry or email dentist@cartersinclair.net for your queries.
Question…
What are composite dental fillings made of?
and do they last as long as amalgam fillings?
Answers…
Answer by Chrys
yes (as long as you don’t crack them) and ask your dentist…they have different formula’s.
Answer by grandpa walleye
They are composed of plastic material with other added materials. Small one will last as long as small silver fillings. Large ones will not.
Answer by Dr.Lucy, DDS (dentist)
Composite also called resin is a plastic. Depending on how large the filling is will determine how long it will last a fairly large composite will not last long but the smaller ones will last just as long as an amalgam. They are better for your teeth because amalgam is a metal. Amalgams cause stress on the teeth and often lead to tooth fractures whereas the composite will not do that. Also composite fillings match the Colour of your teeth so once in place they are almost invisible where amalgam is silver and over time turns black.
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