Cavities have been repaired using a variety of methods over the centuries of dental care. The two most common modern choices are amalgam, or silver, fillings, and composite. Our composite fillings are BPA-free and take the place of amalgam fillings in nearly all dental applications because of their advantages.
The first and most obvious advantage is the visual aspect. Amalgam fillings are called silver fillings for a reason. The stark difference between the white color of healthy teeth and the grey-silver color of amalgam is very unappealing to most. At Premier Dental Care, composite fillings are mixed to match the color of your teeth to not draw attention to themselves.
Another great advantage of dental composite is the fact that it contains no mercury. Amalgam fillings have a good amount of mercury in them to make them more moldable. The long-term health risks of this are unsure, but there is an increasing body of thought that labels this source of mercury as a health risk. The composite fillings Dr.Marla Wilson uses do not use any mercury and are much safer.
Dentists have recommended repairing back teeth with amalgam even after the introduction of composite because of the durability difference between amalgam and early composite fillings. Now that is no longer needed. Composite filling durability and longevity now equals or exceeds amalgam, so your fillings can last for years.
To learn more or to schedule your appointment with our dentist, please call our office in Indianapolis, Indiana, at 317-787-6625 today!