Which Is Better: Silver Fillings or Tooth-Colored?

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When you get a cavity, your dentist in North Little Rock, AR, will fix the problem with a dental filling. Dental fillings come in two different types: composite and amalgam. Both filling types are known to be safe and effective, but they have different characteristics. Knowing these differences can help you pick which filling is best for you.

What Are Silver Fillings?

Silver fillings, also called “amalgam” fillings, are made from a silver material that includes liquid mercury, copper, silver, and tin. Silver fillings are long-lasting and durable. Silver fillings can last as long as 15 years or even much longer.

Although amalgam fillings contain mercury, they’re considered safe for patients six years and older. Amalgam fillings are a tried and true solution used in dental procedures for 150 years.

Amalgam fillings are silver when they’re installed but will darken to black over time.

What Are Tooth-Colored Fillings?

Tooth-colored fillings are made from a composite dental material containing plastic resin and powdered glass. Once installed, composite fillings are impossible to distinguish from the tooth enamel. Composite fillings may look more attractive, but they’re not as durable as amalgam fillings. In addition, some insurance companies will not pay for composite dental fillings.

Which One Is Better for Me?

There are many factors to consider when choosing between amalgam and composite dental fillings. Consider the location of the tooth, your budget, and what your insurance will cover. Your dentist can help you decide which filling is best for your teeth.

Want to avoid cavities? See the dentist every six months for dental exams in North Little Rock, AR. Call Mounts Dental Care today to make your appointment.

What’s the Difference Between Amalgam and Composite Fillings?

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Do you have a cavity? If so, your dentist will use a tooth filling to seal the cavity and restore your tooth. Cavity fillings in North Little Rock, AR, come in two types: amalgam and composite.

Your dentist will offer you a choice, and you’ll need to decide which type of filling is right for you. Knowing the difference between amalgam and composite fillings will help you make an informed decision, so you’ll be happy with your selection. Here’s what to know about these two filling types.

Amalgam Fillings

Amalgam fillings are a tried and true technology that has been used in dental patients for many decades. Also known as “silver” fillings, amalgam fillings are made from a mixture of different metals, including tin, silver, copper, and mercury. Amalgam fillings are strong and long-lasting. Amalgam is often more cost-effective because these fillings cost less than standard fillings.

Amalgam fillings have been around for a long time. Some people have concerns about the safety of amalgam fillings because amalgam fillings contain mercury, however, studies show no difference in the safety of amalgam fillings versus composite.

Composite Fillings

Composite resin fillings are white, tooth-colored fillings with a significant aesthetic advantage over amalgam. Composite fillings do not last as long as amalgam fillings, however, newer versions of composite fillings have proven to be longer-lasting than previous versions of composite fillings.

Composite fillings are often more expensive than amalgam fillings, and some insurance policies may not cover composite fillings.

Do you have questions about composite versus amalgam fillings and the differences between the two? Contact your dentist in North Little Rock, AR. Call Mounts Dental Care to schedule an appointment and have your cavities filled.

What to Expect During Your Cavity Filling

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Does your tooth hurt? If so, you may have a cavity. While getting a filling is a standard procedure, some people get nervous before the filling is installed. Knowing what to expect when you visit the dentist in North Little Rock, AR, can help you manage your nerves. If you’re experiencing the symptoms of a cavity, here’s what you should know about getting a filling.

How to Tell If You Have a Cavity

First, do you need a filling? If you have a cavity, you may notice problems like pain in the tooth, sensitivity to heat and cold, and pain when you eat sweet things. You may even notice a hole developing in your tooth.

Even if you notice no symptoms at all, you may still have a cavity. Your dentist can catch a problem like this before symptoms begin, and that’s why it’s important to see the dentist every six months. Catching the problem early can help make the dental filling process easier and faster.

What to Expect When Getting a Filling

When you have a cavity, the first thing that will happen is your dentist will diagnose your cavity during an exam. During the filling, the dentist will numb the area so you won’t feel discomfort during the procedure. The dentist may also use laughing gas to make you feel more comfortable if you have dental anxiety.

Next, the dentist will clean out the decay and sanitize the area. The filling will be installed after the area has been prepared. Your dentist may use a composite or amalgam filling. Composite fillings are tooth-colored and are quickly becoming the preferred filling type for many people.

Have a Cavity? Call Today for An Appointment

Do you think you may have a cavity? Sounds like you need to make a dental appointment in North Little Rock, AR. Call Mounts Dental Care today to get started.