subject: Bad Feelings About Your Fillings [print this page] Bad Feelings About Your Fillings Bad Feelings About Your Fillings
If your first response was "Errrr..." you're not alone. All those fancy words really mean is that your dentist probably wants you to change your metal fillings for one of the various kinds of white fillings that have become the norm for fillings today.
But should you do it? There are various reasons to change your fillings and some are going to be worth your while, not to mention your time and money. In this article we'll discus the types of fillings that are out there, the reasons to change them, and the conversations you need to be have with your dentist to make sure that your oral health is up to date.
You want to put WHAT in my mouth?
Dental Amalgams: Dental amalgams are the traditional silver fillings that are likely in your grandmother's teeth right now. They were the norm for years, and many dentists still use them today. There was concern about the mercury content in the early 2000's. However, though these fillings are about fifty percent mercury they have not been found to affect the human body in any negative way.
Composite Resin: These are quickly becoming the replacement for amalgams. The composite resin, made from plastic and very fine glass particles, bonds to the tooth much more easily than amalgams. They are also more cosmetically pleasing as they blend with tooth color.
Porcelain: These work in exactly the same way as the composite resin. But they are used if there is insufficient tooth structure to hold a filling.
So What's the Problem?
There are a few legitimate reasons to switch from the silver to one of the other forms. If your dental amalgams are more than ten years old it is definitely a good reason to change. Old amalgams weren't done using the bonding technology that exists today which means they could wear down over time allowing bacteria to enter underneath the filling and make the cavity worse. Replacing old fillings before this happens (usually after about ten years) is probably a good idea. And if your dentist says that a new cavity is forming underneath, you should definitely replace them unless you're looking for a root canal.
As to what you should get if you have a brand new cavity that's entirely up to you and the dentist that you visit. Often you won't even have to decide - the dentist will do it for you. But now you can definitely discuss with them what the best option is to use without overwhelmed by all of the dental jargon.
Dr. Marshall Fields, DMD
http://www.drmarshallfields.com/
A cosmetic and family dentist committed to providing you with excellent care and the most comfortable environment possible. At Dr. Fields' office, the patient always comes first!
