Silver Versus White Fillings in General Dentistry

Nearly everyone has had to visit a general dentistry practice to have a tooth filled. In fact, about 92% of patients around 20 to 64 have had cavities. About 26% of these people have untreated cavities. Because of how common they are, it is a good idea to get regular dental checkups. Read on to learn more about silver and white fillings in case you have a cavity.

The basics of different fillings

Silver fillings are made from a dental amalgam. This is a combination of metals, including tin, silver, mercury and topper. A white filling is also known as a composite filling. This is made from ceramic as well as plastic. Both of these types of fillings can be used to fix cavities. However, many insurance companies only cover silver fillings.

Silver fillings are designed to last for a long time. This makes the fillings a good choice for teeth that withstand a lot of pressure. This includes the molars. A silver filling also hardens faster, so the dentist can more easily place it beneath the gumline. For patients, the silver filling often costs less than the white filling.

One of the main benefits of a white filling is its color. If a patient has a cavity in a visible part of the mouth, then a tooth-colored filling may be right. However, this type of filling often does not last as long as a silver one. A white filling may make a patient more likely to get recurrent decay. This is a cavity that forms under a current filling.

Choosing the right type of filling

Some patients might be concerned about silver fillings. Often, there is mercury in them. However, patients have been getting these types of fillings for more than 100 years. Some studies have shown that there is little danger from them.

The mercury is connected to the other types of metals. This keeps it stable. The type of mercury that is used in dental fillings is not the same type that is considered to be unhealthy. Sometimes, a white filling may be better for a highly visible area.

In this case, patients will likely not want a silver filling. It does not match the color of the teeth very well. However, many cavities develop in parts of the mouth that are not visible. If this is the case, then the color of the filling does not matter.

Cavities are more likely to develop in areas where the toothbrush cannot reach. For example, the grooves of the molars are very susceptible. The edges of crowns and under the gumline are also hard to clean. A filling will not be visible in any of these portions.

Choose general dentistry for a filling

A patient can speak with the dentist to decide what type of filling is right. You can consider your overall oral health and your budget. Regular dental visits can catch cavities early. When the cavities are small, the type of filling does not matter as much.

Request an appointment here: https://www.gablesexceptionaldentistry.com or call Gables Exceptional Dentistry at (305) 203-4132 for an appointment in our Coral Gables office.

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