If you have a cavity, the damaged portion of the tooth will be gently removed so the tooth can be restored and protected. But what type of filling should you choose?
Two common options are amalgam fillings, sometimes called silver fillings, and composite fillings, which are tooth-colored and designed to blend in with your natural teeth.
Both types of fillings can restore a damaged tooth, but they have some important differences. The best choice depends on the location and size of your cavity, the condition of your tooth, your oral health, and your personal preferences. If you’re not sure which type of filling you need, book a visit with our team, we’ll talk through the options together to find what works best for you.
What Is Dental Filling?
A dental filling is used to repair a tooth that has been damaged by decay or wear.
Cavities develop when bacteria in your mouth produce acids that gradually wear away the tooth. If a cavity is not treated, the decay can become larger and eventually cause pain, infection, or damage to the tooth. During a filling procedure, your dentist removes the damaged portion of the tooth, cleans the area, and fills it with a restorative material. This restores the tooth and helps protect it from further decay.
Dental fillings are a common treatment and can usually be completed in a single visit.
What Are Amalgam Fillings?
Amalgam fillings have been used in dentistry for many years. They are made from a mixture of metals, including silver, tin, copper, and mercury. One of the biggest advantages of amalgam is its strength. It can withstand the strong chewing forces found in the back teeth, making it a durable option for certain cavities.
Amalgam fillings are also generally less expensive than composite fillings and are less sensitive to moisture during placement.
However, there are some disadvantages.
Amalgam has a noticeable silver or dark appearance, so it does not blend in with your natural teeth. It may also require more tooth structure to be removed during preparation because the filling is held in place mechanically rather than bonded directly to the tooth.
What Are Composite Fillings?
Composite fillings are made from a tooth-colored resin material. They are designed to match the color of your natural teeth, making them much less noticeable than silver fillings.
One of the biggest benefits of composite fillings is their appearance. Once placed, the filling can blend in with the surrounding tooth. Composite fillings also bond directly to the tooth. This means your dentist may be able to preserve more of your natural tooth structure when preparing the cavity.
There are some disadvantages, too. Composite fillings require the tooth to remain dry while the filling is being placed. The procedure can also take a little longer, and composite may not be as durable as amalgam when used for very large fillings in areas that experience heavy chewing.
Amalgam vs. Composite Fillings: What’s the Difference?
Both materials can be effective, but each has advantages and disadvantages.
Appearance: Composite fillings are tooth-colored and blend with your smile. Amalgam fillings have a silver or dark appearance.
Durability: Amalgam is known for being strong and durable, particularly in back teeth. Composite fillings can also last for many years but may wear more quickly in large restorations exposed to heavy chewing.
Tooth preservation: Composite fillings bond to the tooth, which can allow your dentist to preserve more healthy tooth structure.
Placement: Composite fillings require a dry treatment area. Amalgam is more forgiving when moisture is present.
Cost: Amalgam fillings are generally less expensive, while composite fillings typically cost more.
Mercury: Amalgam contains mercury. Composite fillings do not.
Your dentist can help you determine which material makes the most sense for your particular tooth.
Why Are More Patients Choosing Composite Fillings?
Composite fillings have become increasingly popular because they offer a more natural-looking result.
For many patients, being able to repair a cavity without having a visible silver filling is an important benefit. Composite fillings can be matched to the surrounding teeth, making them much harder to notice. They can also preserve more of the natural tooth structure because they bond directly to the tooth.
At Buzza Dental Group, tooth-colored resin fillings are an option for patients who want a discreet way to restore a damaged tooth.
Which Type of Filling Is Right for You?
There is no single filling material that is right for everyone.
Your dentist will consider several things before recommending a filling, including:
- The location of the cavity
- The size of the cavity
- How much healthy tooth structure remains
- The amount of pressure the tooth receives when you bite
- Whether the area can be kept dry during treatment
- Your overall health
- Your budget
- Your preference for a natural-looking filling
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Amalgam Fillings Safe?
Yes. The FDA considers amalgam fillings safe for most people, but recommends avoiding new amalgam fillings for pregnant women, nursing mothers, children under 6, and people with certain neurological or kidney conditions or mercury allergies.
Are composite fillings safer than silver fillings?
Composite fillings do not contain mercury, which is an important difference. However, no dental material is completely without potential limitations.
Should I replace my old silver fillings?
Not necessarily. If an amalgam filling is intact and working properly, it usually does not need to be removed simply because it contains mercury. At Buzza Dental Group, we can evaluate your filling and recommend replacement if needed, including discussing alternative filling options.
How long do composite fillings last?
Composite fillings can last for many years with good oral hygiene and regular dental visits. How long they last depends on factors such as the size and location of the filling, your bite, and how well you care for your teeth.
Are tooth-colored fillings better than silver fillings?
Neither material is automatically better for every patient. Tooth-colored composite fillings offer a natural appearance and can preserve tooth structure, while amalgam can provide excellent durability in certain situations.
Need a Filling?
If you have a cavity, don’t put off treatment. A filling can restore the tooth and help prevent the decay from becoming a bigger problem.
At Buzza Dental Group in Santa Rosa, we offer tooth-colored composite fillings and can help you determine the best way to restore your smile. Fillings are typically completed in a single visit, and dental sedation is also available for patients who feel anxious about treatment. Call Buzza Dental Group at (707) 573-0600 to schedule an appointment.
