MEDICAL INSIDER
DR. RHODA ENTERO
POSTED FOR SEPTEMBER 3, 2023
30 Colored Fillings versus Amalgam Fillings –
Colored Fillings versus Amalgam Fillings –
Which One Should You Choose?
(Part 4)
In our August 27, 2023 edition, we suggested a
discussion of topics regarding Dental Amalgam
Fillings which include the following: The older
and Tested Option; Better Suited to Withstand
Moisture; Cost-Effective and Easy to Maintain;
Color Is Its Main Disadvantage; Not a Cosmetic
or Aesthetic Option; and Allergies and Mercury
Poisoning.
We were done with our discussion of The Older
and Tested Option. We now go to the next:
- Better Suited to Withstand Moisture:
Saliva is most present at the back of the
mouth, which helps wash away the acids
produced by the bacteria that feed off starch,
sugars, and leftover food there. The metals
used in amalgam can also better survive that
area that’s constantly moisturized by spit.
Front teeth don’t get wet as much in
comparison.
- Cost-Effective and Easy to Maintain:
Amalgam is much cheaper when compared
to tooth-colored fillings. It’s also easier to
maintain. You’re not constantly going back to
the dentist in order to put it back either
because of its 5-7 average lifespan or
because you’ve accidentally bit into it too
strongly, resulting in it breaking altogether.
It’s made of metal so it’s supposed to be
tough. - Color Is Its Main Disadvantage: The reason
why it’s mostly put into molars isn’t just
because it’s tough. It’s also because molars
are easier to hide when you smile since
they’re located at the back of your mouth,
which means the ugly gray amalgam is safely
hidden away. Its color is also the reason why
it’s not used to fill in front teeth as well. - Not a Cosmetic or Aesthetic Option:
Amalgam is colored silver but mostly looks
gray or black to the naked eye. It’s visible
whenever you talk or open your mouth really
wide. If you smile, they’re safely tucked away
from sight. It’s not a cosmetic option in the
least. It’s quite noticeable compared to
colored fillings that blend well with the rest of
your teeth, thereby making it seem you don’t
have cavities at all.
- Allergies and Mercury Poisoning: There
are some people who cannot use amalgam at
all because they’re allergic to the metals
involved, thus they’re forced to use
composite fillings or go straight to putting a
crown over their tooth. What’s more,
miniscule amounts of mercury vapor do exit
the fillings over time, which many do view as
a health concern.