6 Reasons Why You Need A Metal Filling Replacement

Amalgam fillings are obsolete because they’re not aesthetically pleasing and can darken your tooth/teeth, which ruins your smile. It makes sense for patients to swap out metal fillings with something more convenient and practical. 

If you have metal fillings inside your mouth and are still on the fence about changing them, here are a few things to suggest from your Boca Raton dentist to help you decide:

1. Silver Fillings Can Make You Self-Conscious 

A traditional silver filling can last around 10 to 15 years. After that, you will need to replace them with filling materials of your choice. As silver amalgams are detectable, many patients choose to replace their old fillings with tooth-colored composite fillings for a seamless smile. If you are self-conscious about your smile, you can opt for replacing metal fillings with composite material.

2. Amalgam Fillings Are Temperature-Sensitive

As the name suggests, metal amalgam contains a composite of metals like silver, tin, copper, and elemental mercury, making amalgams highly temperature-sensitive. So amalgam fillings end up contracting and expanding, depending on food’s temperature. This contraction and expansion of fillings can cause pressure on surrounding teeth, which may lead to microfractures in the tooth structure and cause pain.

3. Composite Fillings Can Strengthen Your Tooth

One advantage composite fillings have over amalgam fillings is that composite fillings can bond with the tooth, unlike traditional metal fillings. The bonding gives the tooth additional support and strength to latch on. The fillings are applied layer-by-layer, which is why fillings last.

4. Silver Amalgams Can Cause More Tooth Decay

Sharp toothaches, increased tooth sensitivity, bad breath, gray or black spots on the teeth, and an unpleasant taste in the mouth are symptoms of tooth decay. Without necessary measures, bacteria can breach the filling and cause tooth decay. So, if you are experiencing more than one of these symptoms around your silver fillings, you may be suffering from tooth decay. Consult a dentist to stop the decay and protect your tooth from further damage.

5. Silver Amalgams Can Lead To Crown Placements

If a tooth is broken from an amalgam filling, it may need a crown placed on the top of the broken tooth. If you don’t replace your fillings in due time, you are at risk of damaging your tooth. As a result, you may require a crown to restore the broken tooth. And getting a crown fitted is more expensive and invasive than a composite filling.

6. Dental Amalgam Can Cause Pregnancy Risks

New studies conducted by researchers in Norway involved over 72000 pregnant women who have amalgam fillings. The studies reported a connection between the number of teeth filled with dental amalgam and the risk of prenatal death. The research was issued in the peer-reviewed journal PLOS One.

Another study, conducted by researchers in Egypt, found that pregnant women, “suffered higher odds of developing spontaneous abortion and pre-eclampsia and giving birth to babies smaller for gestational age.” The study appeared earlier in 2018 in the peer-reviewed medical publication The International Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine.

Family Dentistry in Boca Raton, FL

If this article has changed your mind about silver fillings and you’re looking to replace your metal fillings, we can help. The replacement procedure starts with a short appointment that includes the removal of the old filling(s) and replacing them with new bonding material. We then trim, contour, and polish the filling, and you’re good to go! So, if you need to replace your metal filling, find the best dentist Boca Raton.