One of the questions our dental professionals are often asked in our Georgetown dentist office is in regard to fillings.  Which are better, amalgam or composite fillings?  To answer that question you have to consider the pros and cons of each and also take into consideration your own unique situation.

Amalgam, or silver, fillings are very durable and relatively inexpensive.  Their strength allows them to endure heavy biting pressure so they are ideal for the back teeth.  You fill find that many insurance companies will cover the cost of amalgam fillings for back teeth.  Our Georgetown dentists can advise you on what your particular insurance company will cover.

What you may not like about amalgam fillings is that they are comprised of mercury and other metals.  As of June, 2008, the FDA has declared that silver dental fillings may not be safe.  While the amount of mercury in a dental filling is very small, vapors can still leak out during the drilling process, particularly if a filling has to be removed due to a tooth becoming damaged (possibly in the case of a root canal).  Mercury is very toxic and can cause a number of health issues so it is important to avoid exposure to it.

Experiencing hot and cold sensitivity after having an amalgam filling is also one reason people may find that this type may not be the right choice for them.  You may also be concerned that more tooth structure is lost when amalgam fillings are set due to the dental surgeon having to make a bigger preparation to allow for this substance.  The amalgam also does not harden immediately, making chewing on the affected tooth difficult for several hours.  The silver color of amalgam fillings is also not aesthetically pleasing to some.  Consulting one of our dental professionals here in our Georgetown dentist office will help you decide if amalgam fillings are appropriate for your situation.

Composite fillings are tooth colored, blending in with your natural teeth.  The composite filling material does not contain mercury; it’s made of acrylic and glass particles.  The composite hardens immediately; therefore you will be able to chew as soon as you leave the dental office.  Most importantly, the dentist does not need to make as large a preparation with the composite material as with the amalgam so less tooth structure is lost.

There are some cons to consider, though, in the use of composite fillings.  For one thing, composite fillings are more expensive than amalgam fillings.  They may take somewhat longer to place and they can stain over time.  Coffee, tea and tobacco use can stain composite fillings just as they can natural teeth, however composite fillings do not respond to teeth whitening treatments.  And while the composite filling materials are strong, and can be used on back teeth, they are not as strong as amalgam fillings.  For this reason some insurance companies do not cover composite fillings on back teeth.  A dental professional in our Georgetown dentist office

can help you make the best decision when choosing fillings for your teeth.