Amalgam Vs. Composite Fillings: What's the Difference?

Cavities are no fun at all, but neither is going to the dentist.

However, when it starts to feel like little demons are inside your mouth, poking your teeth with pitchforks, you don't have too many alternatives. It's time. You schedule an appointment only to be presented with another choice: what type of filling would you like?

Amalgam vs composite?

Before your head explodes, we'll walk you through the difference between the two and give you tips on figuring out which type is right for you.

Which do you think you need? Read on to see if you're right.

A Word About Cavities

Cavities are one of the world's leading health problems. Also known as tooth decay or caries, cavities cause permanent damage to your teeth. As the tooth decays the hard surface of your teeth, small holes and openings will begin to form.

Left untreated, a cavity can lead to infection, tooth loss and severe pain.

Prevention is the best method to protect your teeth from decay. Cavities are caused by bacteria in your mouth, as well as sugary diets and improper cleaning habits. Cleaning your teeth regularly and avoiding sugary foods will stave off future cavities.

How a Tooth Decays

We hope you're not eating anything yummy because you might have to put it down after this.

After eating sugary foods or failing to brush regularly, a clear film known as dental plaque coats your teeth. Bacteria begins to feed on the leftover foods, forming plaque.

Once a period of time has passed, the plaque will harden into tartar, which shields the bacteria. Then, the decay starts. The plaque's acid begins to eat away at your tooth's enamel, causing pain and suffering.

Symptoms

Are you unsure if you have a cavity?

If a tooth is in the beginning stages of decay, it may be difficult to tell. This is part of the reason why going to the dentist is so important; professionals can spot the start of cavities and slow the decay.

However, if you're experiencing any of the following symptoms, chances are you have a cavity:

• Toothaches or pain without any apparent cause
• Tooth sensitivity
• Pain when you eat or drink something that is hot or cold
• Holes in your teeth
• Visible staining on teeth that is brown, black or white
• Pain when biting down

Do All Carries Have to Be Filled?

If you have the start of cavities, your dentist will notice. The good news is they do not have to be filled if they are caught quickly enough.

Instead, fluoride treatments, enamel-protecting toothpaste, and dietary changes can drastically slow the rate of decay. However, once the cavity has reached a certain level, it's time for a filling.

That leaves us with one question: which type?

Amalgam vs. Composite

The two most popular forms of filling are amalgam and composite. We'll take you through the pros and cons of each.

Amalgam Fillings

Amalgam filling has been used in dental patients for over 150 years. It is comprised of a mixture of metals:

• Elemental mercury
• Silver
• Tin
• Copper

The chemical properties of mercury allow it to bind with the other materials, forming an amalgam.

How It Is Applied

After safely drilling a tooth to remove any decay, your dentist will shape the cavity to prepare it for the amalgam. Next, he or she will mix the powdered alloy (which is made up of the silver, tin, and copper) with the mercury to form the filling.

Your dentist will apply the putty-like substance to the cavity, where it will harden rapidly.

Advantages

Many people are afraid of amalgam fillings, but they are extremely durable, safe and cost-efficient. In fact, they are the least expensive type of filling.

Due to their durable nature, amalgam fillings are less prone to breaking than other kinds. You can expect this type of filling to last 10 to 15 years.

Disadvantages

There are two main disadvantages to these fillings. Firstly, amalgam fillings can be seen on your teeth. They will look like metal.

Some patients may find this displeasing, but unless you're gaping at your friends (in which case you'll look silly, anyhow), no one will notice them in the back of your teeth.

The second disadvantage is that they contain mercury. The FDA has extensively tested the safety of amalgam fillings and there are very few, if any, cases where the mercury inside them caused health issues.

Composite Fillings

Composite resin fillings are the other popular go-to for patients. This filling material is made of plastic, which is reinforced with powdered glass fiber.

Because these types are white, they are often referred to as "white" or "teeth-colored" fillings.

How It Is Applied

As with the amalgam, composite fillings require drilling the decay out of the tooth and prepping the cavity. When your dentist applies the filling to the cavity, however, he or she may have to do it in layers.

Most are light cured by "blue light" to fill the cavity and harden the filling material.

Advantages

First and foremost, these fillings are white, so you won't ever have to worry about someone wondering why you have shiny metal in your mouth. Even better, composite fillings can be mixed to match the color of your teeth.

Secondly, this type of filling requires minimal tooth removal to prepare for placement.

Disadvantages

Unfortunately, composite resin fillings are more costly than amalgam ones. They are also not as durable. Because of this, patients will have to spend more money to replace them and they may chip while eating. If you take good care of those pearls, they can last seven to 10 years compared to amalgam's 10 or 15.

Finally, composite fillings are harder to place than amalgam ones, meaning your appointment will take longer.

Need a Teeth Expert?

In the long run, going to your dentist for regular cleanings and check-ups is an excellent way to steer clear of those cavities. If it's too late, however, you have the know-how to make the right decision about amalgam vs composite.

Do you need cavities or dental help? If so, contact us to get those teeth gleaming white and sparkling pretty. Until then, brush diligently.