Composite teeth fillings vs. silver amalgam fillings

If you are like most people, you probably have several silver amalgam fillings in your teeth due to previous cavities that have developed. You may not even be aware that there is another option that exists. Drs. Benjamin Seaton and Jason Bendas of Artistry in Smiles in the Los Banos, California area instead encourage patients to consider composite resin dental fillings for teeth with decay. Composite resin is a tooth-colored filling material made of plastic and glass particles. It is the best and safest solution for treating tooth decay. Our team will discuss with patients the differences between composite resin and silver amalgam fillings and educate them on why composite resin is the best choice.

What are composite fillings?

Composite fillings are a tooth-colored dental filling material used to repair small cavities. They are made of composite resin, a plastic and glass mixture that is durable and safe for your teeth. Composite fillings are also known as cosmetic fillings because they can be matched to the color of your natural teeth, making them less visible than traditional silver amalgam fillings. They are often a safe alternative as well, as studies continue to show the risks associated with mercury toxicity caused by silver amalgam fillings in the past.

What are the benefits of composite fillings?

Composite resin dental fillings have many benefits over traditional silver amalgam fillings:

• They are more aesthetically pleasing since they blend in with the natural color of your teeth.
• They are safer for your health since composite resin does not contain mercury.
• They are typically more durable than silver amalgam fillings, lasting many years before they need to be replaced.
• They do not expand and contract as silver amalgam can, reducing the risk of bacteria entering into the tooth after placement.
• The composite resin can also be used to repair chipped or cracked teeth by bonding it directly onto the surface of your tooth.

How do I learn more about composite resin fillings?

Contact Drs. Benjamin Seaton and Jason Bendas of Artistry in Smiles by calling (209) 812-0041. The office is located at 816 2nd Street in Los Banos, CA, and welcomes new patients and families.