Cavity Control: 5 Reasons to Get a Tooth-Colored Filling Instead of Amalgam

According to one estimate, more than 90% of people will get a cavity at some point in their life. The next time you are diagnosed with one, Dr. Thomas may recommend that you get a tooth-colored filling rather than an old-fashioned amalgam restoration. Indeed, the vast majority of dentists have completely abandoned metal fillings in favor of more modern options! What advantages do tooth-colored fillings have over their classic counterparts? This blog post explains five.

Tooth-Colored Fillings Look Better

One of the most noticeable benefits of tooth-colored fillings is their visual appeal. These restorations are carefully matched to the shade of your natural teeth, making them almost invisible to the naked eye. You should be able to laugh and speak with confidence in the beauty of your smile! In contrast, amalgam fillings are a dark metallic color that stands out starkly against natural tooth enamel.

Tooth-Colored Fillings Are Mercury-Free

Holistic dental care emphasizes the importance of minimizing exposure to potentially harmful substances. Amalgam fillings contain mercury, a toxic substance which has long been a concern for both patients and practitioners. Long-term exposure to it has the potential to cause a range of neurological symptoms, such as headaches, mood swings, and concentration problems. Tooth-colored fillings, on the other hand, are completely mercury-free. This means you do not need to worry about the risks linked to mercury leakage or ingestion.

Tooth-Colored Fillings Cause Less Sensitivity

Dental sensitivity is a common issue following placement of traditional amalgam fillings. Metal expands and contracts with temperature changes, which can result in discomfort when consuming hot or cold foods. Tooth-colored fillings do not react to temperature in the same way, often resulting in less post-treatment sensitivity.

Tooth-Colored Fillings Require Less Tooth Preparation

A minimally invasive approach is central to holistic dental care. Tooth-colored fillings bond directly to the tooth structure, which allows our team to preserve more of your healthy enamel and dentin during treatment. This helps maintain the integrity of your natural tooth and supports long-term oral health. In contrast, more tooth preparation is necessary with metal fillings since they simply sit inside cavities rather than bond with the surrounding tissue.

Tooth-Colored Fillings Are Less Likely to Leak

Over time, amalgam fillings may shrink, expand, or become loose, increasing the risk of leakage and allowing bacteria to invade the tooth. Tooth-colored fillings create a tight and reliable seal against the tooth surface. Their adhesive nature prevents microleakage, reducing the chance of recurrent decay and protecting the tooth from further damage.

Tooth-colored fillings are superior to metal ones! Indeed, they are the new standard in cavity control.

Meet the Practice

As a holistic dentist, Dr. Thomas focuses on providing treatments that use biocompatible materials that work well within the human body. Not only does she offer tooth-colored fillings, but she is also certified in the SMART mercury removal technique. To learn more about her and how our team may be able to serve you, contact Enclave Dental at 817-912-1218.