Did you know there are two major types of dental fillings? When people have cavities, they can be filled using amalgam or composite. What are the differences between the two?

Amalgam Fillings

Amalgam fillings, also referred to as silver or metal fillings, are usually made from a variety of metals, such as silver, mercury, zinc or copper. They’re affordable and last a long time. They’re very durable. However, in recent years, they’ve gotten a bad rap because they often contain mercury. If you have amalgam fillings, every time you chew you release a small amount of mercury from your filling(s) into your body. People are worried about mercury poisoning, which is known to cause headaches, insomnia, tremors, nerve damage, kidney issues and respiratory failure. Mercury toxins can lead to long-term brain damage, too. It’s not unusual for people to visit a dentist to have them remove their amalgam fillings and replace them with composite fillings, simply because they want to get mercury out of their mouth!

Composite Fillings

Composite fillings are the norm these days. They are tooth-colored fillings that blend in beautifully with a person’s natural teeth, such that you get them and you might not even remember where they are in your mouth because they blend so perfectly! Composite fillings are made from acrylic and ceramic. They may need replacing “down the line,” but, that said, at least you’re not putting mercury in your mouth.

If you think you have a cavity that needs filling, composite is the better choice for most people these days. You can talk about the pros and cons of both types with the dentist/staff at Brockport Dental. Please call 585-636-0555 for more information or to schedule an appointment.

Brockport Dental is a family-oriented dental office located at 1000 Transit Way, #200, in Brockport, New York, serving clients of all ages, including kids and seniors. We offer gentle, high-quality, affordable care.