Filling cavities with a resin composite material is increasingly popular in dentistry. They are commonly referred to as “white fillings,” and they are available at Pinnacle Dental Associates in Albany.
One of the things that makes composite fillings so attractive is the color. They easily blend in with the color of your teeth, making them all but invisible.
A second advantage to composite fillings is that they don’t require as much cavity preparation than traditional silver fillings do. Less tooth structure has to be removed before the tooth is filled. And because they bond directly to the tooth, the tooth becomes stronger than it would with a silver filling.
Traditional amalgam fillings have been used in dentistry for more than 150 years. Sometimes called “silver fillings” because of their color, they are made from a mix of different metals. In the United States, amalgam fillings still have the approval of the Food and Drug Administration.
Yet many patients are concerned about the safety of silver fillings. This is because in addition to silver, copper and tin, they contain mercury, a known toxin. Amalgam fillings release low levels of mercury in the form of a vapor that can be absorbed by the body.
The FDA has reviewed the best scientific evidence in reaching its conclusion that dental amalgam fillings are safe. Clinical studies in adults and children over the age of six have not established any links between silver fillings and health issues.
But at Pinnacle Dental Associates in Albany, we would rather be safe than sorry. We use composite white fillings exclusively, so there are no concerns whatsoever. We offer general and cosmetic dentistry. Schedule an appointment with us today.