There’s a long-standing controversy about whether the use of amalgam fillings is dangerous or not. There are those in the dental community who worry about the potential for mercury leakage.
However, a March 2013 press release from the American Dental Association (ADA) came out in strong support for the continued use of amalgam fillings. Here are the facts your Century City cosmetic dentist wants to share about dental fillings.
Composite vs. Amalgam Fillings
Dental amalgam fillings are composed of silver, tin, copper, mercury, and zinc. They are relatively inexpensive, strong, and durable. In fact, your Beverly Hills cosmetic dentist is familiar with dental patients who have 40-year-old amalgam fillings in their teeth with no side effects.
The negative side of amalgam fillings is that they tend to blacken, causing teeth to take on a gray appearance. Additionally, you’re likely to have a higher rate of cracks or fractures from the natural expansion and contraction of your teeth.
On the other hand, composite fillings allow your Century City cosmetic dentist to match your fillings to the color of your existing teeth for a more natural look. Composite fillings offer added support due to their chemical bond with teeth. Additionally, your Beverly Hills cosmetic dentist generally needs to remove less tooth structure along with the decay when using composite fillings.
However, composite fillings typically aren’t as durable as amalgam fillings. They also take more time for to your Century City cosmetic dentist to complete and cost more than silver fillings.
Amalgam Fillings Controversy
Amalgam fillings have been under the watchful eye of some dental professionals for many years. Many of these same people don’t support the use of fluoride in drinking water.
However, the World Health Organization (WHO), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) all agree with the ADA. Based on extensive scientific evidence, amalgam fillings are safe as well as effective. Other organizations, such as the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Alzheimer’s Association have also lent their support for amalgam fillings.
However, as ADA President Dr. Fajella suggests, “the best outcome is no filling at all.” To him and many other dentists worldwide (including your Beverly Hills cosmetic dentist), following standard dental care practices – brushing, flossing, eating a well-balanced diet, and regular dental checkups – can go a long way in preventing tooth decay.
In the meantime, if you have silver fillings that aren’t causing problems don’t feel as if you need to change them to something else. That is unless your Century City cosmetic dentist notices problems with your teeth – like cracks and stress fractures.
If you have any concerns about your current amalgam fillings, speak with your dentist. Find out if he or she thinks it’s time to replace your old worn out silver fillings with new composites that look more natural.