Created as a unique alternative to the traditional silver fillings, composite resin fillings are a lot nicer looking and take less time to fix. They also cost more, but the price is worth it, says Dr. Brad S. Haines of White and Haines Advanced Dentistry in Cornelius, North Carolina. Here, he explains why he believes that they are the best option for the vast majority of people, including those who are wary of mercury fillings.
Composite resin filings are tooth-colored fillings that were originally developed as an alternative to silver fillings. As such, they can be used in numerous things and for numerous purposes, such as fillings on the back teeth, dental bonding and fillings in between the front teeth.
Composite resin fillings are mainly made from dental plastic resin and are actually bonded to the tooth structure, whereas silver fillings are placed inside the hole in the tooth. I feel composite filings are better, as since they bond to the tooth structure they can have a better seal than the silver ones do, and can therefore last longer.
Composite resin fillings are also, obviously, much more aesthetic looking than silver fillings, and they can allow us to be much more conservative in the preparation of the cavity. From a dentist’s viewpoint, that is the main benefit.
More Tooth Structure Left
With the composite resin fillings, the dentist only needs to remove the diseased tooth structure. Whereas with the silver fillings, the dentist needs to remove significantly more tooth structure just to support the filling. And when all is said and done, they also look better.
The disadvantages of composite fillings is they take more time to place than a silver filling, and they are typically more expensive. They typically last six to 12 years, whereas a silver filling lasts 10 to 15 years, but most 15-year-old or older silver fillings are failing, although this cannot be seen until you take them out. Usually they are failing as they are leaking, bacteria seeps between the metal and the tooth structure, or they help crack the actual tooth.
Safer than Mercury?
It goes without saying that some people prefer composite resin fillings as they are wary of the mercury present in traditional silver fillings. If that is the case, it may make sense to have composite resin for a new filling, but taking out old silver fillings to replace them with new ones is the time when most of the mercury vapor will escape. The most exposure to mercury you will get is when you have an old silver filling removed.
The information in the article is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your healthcare provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate healthcare provider.
