If you are like most adults, you have sustained at least one cavity in your life. If so, you likely received a filling, the most common treatment for minor to moderate tooth decay. If you received fillings several years ago, you may have been given silver amalgam restorations. For many dentists today, composite resin is the material of choice for dental fillings. 

At Smiles 4 Grant Park in Atlanta, GA, Dr. Abbey Lee is proud to offer these state-of-the-art restorations. With her meticulous attention to detail, she will ensure that your filling matches your smile beautifully. Plus, you will enjoy the many health and functional benefits afforded by composite fillings. 

Read on for some answers to common questions about dental fillings. Then contact us to schedule an appointment.

What are the advantages of composite dental fillings?

Composite resin offers numerous benefits over their older silver amalgam counterparts.

• Composite has a natural color. While silver amalgam fillings may eventually show through, composite will never alter the shade of teeth.
• Before placing any filling, a dentist will need to remove some tissue to make enough room. However, composite is more conservative and requires less tissue removal. 
• If you think back to your high school chemistry class, you’ll remember that metal expands and contracts with temperature fluctuations. Silver amalgam is no different. Over time, these continual expansions can weaken your teeth. Composite is stable and does not respond to heat or cold.
• Silver amalgam actually contains about 50% mercury, a toxic metal that has been linked to brain and kidney dysfunctions. Composite, on the other hand, is 100% mercury free.

Should I replace my amalgam dental fillings?

No. The FDA advises patients with sound, functional dental fillings not to replace them unnecessarily. Filling replacement requires additional tissue removal. Plus, the process could release mercury vapors into your bloodstream. 

Of course, if your silver amalgam filling is loose or damaged, or if there is new decay beneath the restoration, you should certainly have it replaced. 

How long do fillings last?

The average lifespan of composite dental fillings is about 7 years. But they can last longer! One 2014 study showed that they can last a decade or more, particularly smaller restorations in patients with overall good oral health.

What happens if my filling is damaged?

A filling could crack in response to biting down on something hard, facial trauma, or chronic teeth grinding. Alternatively, a filling could come out entirely. If this happens, it is important to call us right away. First of all, you could experience significant discomfort. More alarmingly, bacteria could enter the new space in your tooth, leading to worsening decay. If it goes untreated, you could eventually require a crown or even extraction.

We will get you into the office as soon as possible. In the meantime, over-the-counter pain medications and cold compresses can help. If your filling has come out, you should bring it with you to your appointment. In select cases, Dr. Lee may be able to repair the original restoration. 

Contact Us for a Restorative Consultation 

Learn more about dental fillings and the benefits of our composite restorations. Contact Smiles 4 Grant Park today.

Use our online contact form or give us a call at 404-328-7177.