One of the most common restorative dentistry procedure performed by your 55318 dentist at Chaska Dental Center is a filling to repair a tooth with decay. For centuries, cavities were filled with metals—gold or silver, typically. Then, during the later part of the 1800s, dentists discovered that a stronger material resulted when several metals were combined with the aid of mercury. These amalgam fillings were used for the better part of the 20th century. Now, however, dentists have another choice, Amalgam-free fillings, also called tooth-colored fillings or white fillings, provide equal strength without the cosmetic and health disadvantages that plagued amalgam fillings.
What are the concerns about amalgam fillings?
Aside from the obvious—metal fillings create a dark spot in your otherwise white smile—there are some health concerns regarding the use of mercury in amalgam fillings. Although the evidence is not conclusive, mercury has been linked to several maladies including multiple sclerosis and symptoms such as anxiety, moodiness, memory loss and fatigue. As an amalgam filling ages, it is possible that a very small amount of mercury vapor can be released and inhaled into the body.
Why is mercury used in amalgam fillings?
When combined with the alloy of other metals for a filling, mercury makes the finished material more pliable. Thus, the filling material becomes soft enough to press into your prepared tooth. Also, mercury helps the filling to harden more quickly and it can withstand the pressure of biting and chewing.
What are the advantages of tooth-colored fillings?
First of all, a tooth-colored filling seamlessly blends with the natural color of your tooth. Only you and your amalgam-free dentist in Chaska will ever know that you have a filling in place.
Secondly, tooth-colored fillings are made of composite resin, which is a mixture of medical grade plastics and glass. This material actually bonds with your remaining tooth structure, so the force of pressure when you bite down is evenly distributed through the tooth. Thus, a tooth is less likely to fracture with a composite filling. Amalgam fillings, on the other hand, only rest within a tooth, which makes cracks and seepage possible.
How is an amalgam-free filling placed?
A tooth-colored filling is applied one layer at a time and each layer is quickly hardened with a special curing light. At the end of this process, the dentist can file the material so your repaired tooth feels completely comfortable when you bite together.
Call your 55318 Dentist Today
If you know you have a cavity that needs repair, or if you would like to consider replacing your amalgam fillings, then contact Chaska Dental Center in Chaska, MN, today.
