Amalgam vs. Composite Fillings: What You Need To Know

If you have a cavity, you probably need a filling. But what kind of filling? In the past, amalgam was the only option. But today, composite tooth fillings are growing in popularity. So which of these is the better option?

The team at White Dental Spa in Highland Park, Texas have the answers you need. We’ll explain the pros and cons of amalgam fillings and composite fillings, so that you can get the information you need to make the right choice.

Amalgam Fillings

Amalgam fillings consist of mercury and a metal-alloy that usually includes tin, copper, and silver. Amalgam has been used in dentistry for over 150 years, as it is easy to manipulate, and effective at filling cavities.

Pros

Inexpensive – Amalgam fillings are the least expensive way to fill a cavity. In addition, almost all dental insurance companies will cover the cost of an amalgam filling.

Long-lasting – Amalgam fillings can easily last 15 years with proper care, making them a viable long-term treatment for tooth decay.

Pliable and durable – Amalgam fillings are often used to fill molars because they are pliable, and resist damage caused by chewing.

Cons

Larger filling size – More tooth material must be removed to place an amalgam filling as compared to a composite filling. This can damage the structural integrity of the tooth.

Increased hot/cold sensitivity – The mercury and metal alloy used in amalgam fillings is very conductive. This means that teeth treated with amalgam fillings can be more sensitive to heat and cold.

Contains mercury – Mercury is toxic to humans. Despite the fact that amalgam has proven to be safe and non-toxic, many patients may not be comfortable with a filling that contains mercury.

Can cause teeth to have a “grayish” color – The dark gray color of an amalgam filling can cause the treated tooth to darken, and take on a gray appearance that is unsightly.

Composite Fillings

Composite fillings are made of a combination of acrylic resin and glass. Composite fillings were first used in the late 1980s, and are quickly growing in popularity around the US. But they have their own share of pros and cons.

Pros

Natural appearance – Composite fillings can be made of resin that matches the color of the surrounding tooth. This helps create a more seamless, attractive appearance, compared to amalgam.

Preserves more of the tooth – Composite fillings do not require as much tooth material to be removed.

Bonds more closely to enamel – Composite fillings actually form a chemical bond with surrounding tooth enamel. This helps strengthen the teeth, and provide a more secure hold for the filling.

Cons

Can be stained – Composite fillings can be stained by food and beverages, but this is avoidable with proper oral hygiene habits.

May not be covered by insurance – Some insurance companies will not cover the entire cost of a tooth-colored filling because they are more expensive than comparable amalgam fillings.

Slightly less durable than amalgam – Resin is a bit more brittle than amalgam. While modern composites are very strong, they do not hold up as well as amalgam under heavy pressure. If you grind your teeth, for example, a composite filling may not be right for you.

Learn More About Pain-Free Dentistry At White Dental Spa!

At White Dental Spa, we believe that the best treatment for cavities is to stop them before they arise! With the proper oral care, and preventative dentistry, cavities don’t have to be a problem. Regular cleanings and oral exams, and personal oral hygiene are all that’s necessary to keep cavities at bay.

However, if you do need to treat a cavity, we offer gentle, metal-free composite tooth fillings. We want our dental care to protect the natural integrity of your teeth, which is provided by composite fillings. For this reason, we do not use amalgam tooth fillings in our Dallas practice.

We focus on making you comfortable throughout your procedure, and providing you with a long-lasting, effective treatment for tooth decay. Our dental spa fillings are pain-free, fast and effective.

Contact White Dental Spa today for a teeth cleaning appointment, or come in for an oral exam if you suspect you may have a cavity. Whether you’re in Highland Park, Uptown, Oaklawn, or Turtle Creek, we can provide you with the best dental care in Dallas!

Give us a call at (214) 972-0721, or visit us in person at 3878 Oak Lawn Ave, Suite 310 Dallas, Texas 75219.