A general dentist can replace mercury fillings with composite resin fillings. Also known as silver amalgam, mercury fillings were once the standard way to treat tooth decay, but studies have shown mercury can be toxic. As a result, silver amalgam fillings are increasingly being replaced with composite fillings and other less toxic options.
Composite resins have other benefits over silver amalgam fillings besides being less toxic. Composite resins are also the more aesthetically pleasing option since they can be color-matched with the rest of the patient's real teeth. This allows a general dentist to fill up cavities with composites and to rebuild teeth. Other benefits of getting a composite resin filling include:
Anyone who is interested in having mercury fillings replaced should schedule an appointment with a dentist. The oral professional will examine the patient's restorations and determine if replacing them is a good idea. The Food and Drug Administration recommends not replacing mercury fillings unless they are old and due for replacement. The work required can end up causing more harm than leaving the fillings in place, regardless of the toxicity of mercury.
A dentist might opt not to replace a silver amalgam filling if it is being used to cover a large cavity. Composite fillings are not well suited for that task
Reasons why mercury fillings might need to be replaced with composite fillings include:
Patients should expect to deal with some teeth sensitivity for the first two weeks after getting their mercury fillings replaced. The sensitivity can be managed with desensitizing products like toothpaste.
Dealing with old metal fillings that are due for replacement? Stop by North Atlanta Center for Cosmetic & Implant Dentistry to learn more about how our dentist can replace them with composite fillings.
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