Getting fillings for your tooth will give you a lot of benefits. First, you save your tooth from decay. Second, you can have a "new" tooth without dental implants, which is technically more expensive.
However, you are given two choices: the silver or amalgam fillings or the tooth-colored fillings. Both have advantages and disadvantages. Read the rest of this article to know which one you would prefer to have.
Silver Fillings
The heavy metal content in the silver fillings makes it stronger than the tooth-colored ones. There are fewer limits on what you can eat, and you can even add pressure when you bite. This is why amalgam fillings are better for the back teeth. Because amalgam fillings are a mixture of tin, copper, silver, and mercury, you get a hard and durable filling for your tooth. Mercury binds the materials together, and is the material used often to fill the gap or decay caused by a cavity. Dentists also like silver fillings because they are easier to manipulate. They are also cheaper than the alternative tooth-colored fillings.
On the other hand, the mercury in silver fillings is not good for your health. You might also feel extra sensitive to hot and cold beverages and food after having the silver filling. You have to be careful right after getting the filling because the latter does not harden quickly. The dentist will also have to chip off a larger portion of your original tooth because of the preparation.
Tooth-Colored Fillings
The composite or tooth-colored filling, in contrast, is made of plastic and ceramic compounds. The resin mimics the appearance and color of your tooth, so it does not really look like you had a filling. It is healthier to use because it does not contain mercury, but only glass and acrylic. It also looks natural and nice on anyone. When you smile, the composite filling is not that noticeable.
Moreover, the composite filling hardens immediately upon application. You do not have to wait for hours before you could use the treated tooth to bite and chew. However, you still have to be extra careful with what you eat. Since the dentist makes a smaller preparation, you do not lose much of your original tooth.
There are also cons of using tooth-colored fillings.
1. They are generally more expensive than amalgam fillings.
2. They take a while to complete.
3) They may stain, especially when you smoke or drink a lot of dark beverages.
4) Bleach may not work on them.
5) They are not as strong as amalgam. Hence, there is a chance of them cracking or chipping.
Whatever filling you choose would depend on your lifestyle. See what would work best for you. Choose the type of filling that would not give you a lot of hassles. More importantly, choose an dentist office in Laurel MD who would do the job well, regardless of the type of filling.