There’s a common belief that amalgam fillings are not only outdated but also harmful to health. But what exactly does a composite filling offer over an amalgam one, and what dangers does a patient with amalgam fillings face?
The use of amalgam has declined in dentistry for a reason. Firstly, these fillings are aesthetically unfavorable: their grayish color may be noticeable when smiling or laughing, unlike composite fillings, which are tooth-colored and provide a natural appearance with the right shade and shape.
Amalgam fillings have a limited lifespan, typically lasting around 10 years. After this period, since they don’t bond to the tooth structure but rather are packed into pre-prepared cavities, the filling’s edge may separate from the tooth, allowing bacteria to enter and leading to further decay.
It’s worth noting that the developing gap may not always be visible to the naked eye, so seeking a professional opinion on the need for filling replacement is recommended!
Moreover, if the filling isn’t replaced in time, the decay that develops may be so extensive that after its removal, the tooth can only be restored with a crown instead of a plastic filling!
Amalgam fillings are also influenced by temperature changes: exposure to heat (e.g., hot coffee, tea) causes the filling to expand, potentially leading to cracks in the tooth, while exposure to cold (e.g., ice cream, cold drinks) causes the filling to shrink, creating a gap between the tooth and the filling.
These continuous volume changes weaken the tooth – in the case of larger amalgam fillings, they may cause cracks and, consequently, inflammation or even fracture of the tooth. Additionally, due to its mercury content (approximately 50%), amalgam can potentially be harmful to health!
In contrast, composite fillings are bonded to the tooth structure, sharing the load with the tooth (strengthening it), while amalgam fillings lack this type of bonding force, causing the tooth to bear the load, which can also lead to cracks.
It’s observed that our patients most often seek our clinic for amalgam replacement for aesthetic reasons. Although from a medical perspective, good amalgam fillings may not necessarily need replacement, it’s often justified to replace them due to their size, age, or marginal integrity. Assessing this is the responsibility of a professional, and we aim to assist you in feeling secure about your fillings with our promotion!
If you have amalgam fillings and would like professional advice and a 50% discount on filling replacement as part of our promotion, please contact us at +361 200-1378 or info@cosmodent.hu!
