When you have a cavity, your dentist will remove the decay and repair the remaining tooth structure. Typically, a dental filling is the choice for restoring your smile. Your dentist has two options: an amalgam or composite filling. Learn more about filling basics so that you can make an informed decision about your oral health.

Amalgam Fillings
Metal fillings have been used for years to fix a tooth with that has a cavity. Less expensive than the composite fillings, amalgams offer durability, especially for back teeth. Mercury is a component of amalgam fillings, however, and questions have arisen about whether these fillings can contribute to mercury overexposure. Amalgam fillings also tend to look dark or gray with time, which can detract from your smile’s appearance. Wear and tear can cause amalgams to crack or leak, producing new decay in and around the damaged filling.

Composite Fillings
Initially, composite fillings were used for individuals who worried about the impact of metal fillings on their white smiles. Because the mercury in amalgam fillings has come under fire for contributing to potential health issues, many dentists have begun using only composite fillings. In fact, all-white fillings are becoming the standard in dental care.

Created to match your natural tooth coloring, composite fillings provide additional benefits as well. These restorations allow your dentist to perform a more conservative repair and leave more healthy tooth structure in place. Because all-white fillings bond to the tooth, they won’t change shape or leak over time. Many people have started replacing amalgam fillings with composite alternatives.

Cosmetic Dentist Weymouth MA