By Arthur Kezian
Just a few years ago, if you had a cavity, you were stuck with a silver amalgam filling. In fact, there are millions of people walking around with those unmistakable silver spots in their mouths right now!
Luckily, thanks to advances in technology, there’s a new way to treat cavities – by using a white composite filling. But why should you bother to head to a cosmetic dentistry and replace your silver fillings with composites?
1. Silver fillings can be downright dangerous
Did you know that silver filings have mercury in them? According to the American Dental Association and the Food and Drug Administration, it’s only a small amount, but do you really want ANY mercury in your mouth? Back in 2009, the FDA said that silver fillings have a “moderate risk” when it comes to mercury issues.
Because composite fillings don’t have any mercury in them, there’s no risk, so replacing silver fillings is beneficial.
2. Silver fillings don’t look natural
One of the biggest reasons that people want to replace silver fillings is because they’re sick of having a mouth full of dark spots. After all, those silver fillings can make your mouth look dark and dingy – a look that no one wants to showcase when they smile!
However, composite fillings are white. In fact, a good cosmetic dentist in Los Angeles can custom-blend the resin to match your teeth. That way, no one will know you have a mouth full of fillings!
3. Silver fillings can actually cause more tooth decay
When a silver filling breaks, chips, or cracks, it places your teeth in danger. The damaged filling can give bacteria an easy way into the root of your tooth – leading to more decay. In fact, the fillings themselves can even leak and cause more tooth decay!
Composite fillings, on the other hand, are stronger than silver, and they have a stronger bond to your teeth. As a result, the odds of them breaking or cracking are much smaller – meaning that bacteria won’t have an easy way to get inside.
4. Not replacing silver fillings can lead to crowns
Because silver fillings have a tendency to break and crack, the odds of you eventually winding up with a crown are high. That’s because the added tooth decay can leave your dentist with no other choice but to grind your tooth down and put a crown on it.
But if you have a qualified dentist to replace your silver fillings with composites, you won’t have to deal with the threat of crowns.
5. Replacing silver fillings can make your teeth less sensitive
If eating a cold bowl of ice cream leaves your filled teeth in agony, you can eliminate the pain by replacing your silver fillings with composites. For some reason, silver leads to more tooth sensitivity than the resins used in composite fillings.
Dr. Arthur A. Kezian DDS 443 N. Larchmont Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90004 (323) 467-2777