Many people have dental fillings in Oshawa, but these days, they are often nearly invisible and quite different from the older silver-coloured amalgam fillings. Although amalgam has been used for decades, it is becoming far less common. Nowadays, dentists are far more likely to offer patients alternatives using materials that are far more modern and technologically advanced.
What Is Amalgam?
Dental amalgam is an alloy comprising a combination of different metals, including tin, silver, and copper. It also contains mercury. When someone has an amalgam filling, the alloy is mixed with the mercury to form a putty that is then inserted into the prepared cavity. The putty soon hardens into a solid material and is durable and hard-wearing.
Why is Amalgam Less Common?
The mercury content can be a concern because it can be released as a vapour, especially when the filling is removed. Also, while very durable, amalgam flexes slightly when it comes under pressure or when in contact with hot and cold foods and liquids that cause it to contract and expand. The continual flexing can eventually create microfractures in a tooth, weakening the overall structure. When preparing a cavity for an amalgam filling, a dentist must remove the damaged portion of the tooth plus potentially some other tooth structure to create a suitably shaped cavity. Although it is still used in some dental offices, it is being phased out.
What Are the Alternatives to Amalgam?
Two alternatives provide extremely good results. These are composite resin fillings and porcelain fillings in Whitby. Both are tooth coloured, and our skilled dentists can select a suitable shade to ensure these fillings blend in beautifully with your natural teeth.
Unlike an amalgam filling, dentists only need to remove the damaged portion of the tooth when preparing for a composite resin or porcelain filling, ensuring the maximum amount of healthy tooth structure is preserved. Also, neither of these materials flex or expand and contract when in contact with hot or cold substances or during chewing. Instead, the materials work biomimetically or harmoniously with your natural teeth.
Composite Resin Fillings
Composite resin fillings are extremely popular and are ideal for filling small to medium-sized cavities. They can also mend cavities or imperfections, such as small chips and cracks in front teeth. The resin is applied directly to the tooth and hardened using blue light. It can then be shaped and polished, creating a very natural-looking appearance. Composite resin is very durable; these fillings should look good for several years. However, over time, they can become stained, especially if you like coffee, tea or red wine or consume a lot of highly coloured foods and beverages.
Porcelain Fillings
Porcelain fillings, also called inlays or onlays, are used to mend larger cavities in back teeth. They are a little more expensive than composite resin fillings but more durable. A porcelain filling in Ajax will not stain, and modern porcelains can look beautiful, creating a very natural-looking restoration. Unlike composite resin fillings, an inlay or onlay is made outside the mouth. After preparing the tooth, we scan it using a tiny handheld digital scanner that gives us a precise digital impression. The impression is then used to create your new restoration. Once ready, it is tried in the tooth and can be permanently cemented in place.
Replacing Amalgam Fillings
Many people still have older style amalgam restorations, but eventually all fillings must be replaced. When the time comes, we can safely remove amalgam fillings, using a special high filtration system to capture any mercury vapour and small particles of filling material, ensuring you and our dental team are kept safe.
