Reasons to Choose a Composite Filling Over a Silver Filling

When a person gets a cavity, the first decision they have to make is whether to get a composite filling or a silver filling.  This decision can impact the appearance of one's entire smile. It is especially true if you have a cavity on a visible tooth. While both can yield quality results, there are a few reasons that people should consider getting the composite filling instead. Below we will take a look at some of those reasons.

Blends in

Nobody wants it to be obvious that they got a filling. A composite filling looks more like a natural tooth, so it is difficult, if not impossible, to tell that it is there. In comparison, a silver filling stands out and makes it apparent that someone has had dental work done. For people who want their filling to blend in, composite filling is the way to go.

Contains no have metal or mercury

Silver fillings are made with 50% mercury, which can sound pretty alarming to some patients. For people who do not want metal or mercury in their mouth, white composite fillings are what will give them the peace of mind that they are looking for. Not to mention, it is still an ongoing debate among dentists about the dangers of having metal or mercury inside a person’s mouth. To be especially cautious, it is best to stick with fillings that are made of composite. 

Preserves healthy tooth structure

Composite resign is flexible and bonds to the tooth. This means that more of the healthy tooth structure can be preserved. There is no breaking or chipping away at the teeth. Instead, it simply bonds to the tooth without any additional work needed. This makes the natural tooth stronger and longer-lasting, thus making it less likely that later work will be needed. 

Less drilling

Some people avoid the dentist simply because of the sound of a drill. Composite fillings do not require the same level of drilling that silver fillings do. Of course, there is some drilling still required to remove the decay. However, composite preserves more of the natural tooth making for less drilling. 

Easily replaceable

In order to replace a silver filling, the entire thing needs to be removed and the tooth thoroughly cleaned before a new material can be placed. A white filling does not require the same level of time commitment. A dentist only needs to remove the damaged portion of a white filling before replacing it.

Whitening teeth

People who plan on whitening their teeth should start by replacing all of their silver fillings with composite ones. Then the dentist can work to create a tooth shade that matches the new white fillings.

Keep your smile looking its best

Many people simply prefer the look of a white composite filling in comparison to a silver one. If you want your smile to look its best, then composite fillings can be a good option. The dentist can provide more information about which type of filling is best for a particular patient.  

Request an appointment here: https://www.timsmithdental.com or call Tim Smith Dental at (903) 592-5934 for an appointment in our Tyler office.

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