Metal Free fillings

There is a lot of controversy regarding the possible dangers of the metal fillings in your teeth. These old-fashioned fillings are made from silver (mercury) amalgam. Over the years many studies have been done on the health risks and there are claims that the levels of mercury that can leak into your system can cause a myriad of health concerns from brain damage to heart attacks. One of the symptoms of mercury poisoning is a numbness or tingling sensation, generally in the hands and feet, but sometimes around the mouth. But, there are just as many dentists, scientists and other medical professionals who argue that the amalgam is mixed with other metals and the mercury is not unstable and poses no harm.

Health risks aside, the mercury fillings may still not be the right choice for your cavity. The amalgam does not bond to your teeth as well and therefore more of the tooth must be scraped away. These conventional fillings basically just lay in the area of the cavity and a lot of prep is done to get it to adhere. The metal can also contract and expand with heat and cold putting stress on the teeth and may eventually causing fractures to the teeth. Teeth that are involved in the majority of the chewing may have problems also as the metal can only withstand so much pressure.

There are alternatives to choosing a conventional amalgam filling type, such as porcelain fillings or composite resin. These fillings offer many advantages and both porcelain and composite resin bond much easier to the tooth and less of your tooth needs to be scraped down. You can avoid the unsightly look of black and silver teeth as they both also match almost perfectly to the enamel color of your teeth and are virtually invisible. The look of porcelain fillings is closer the natural look of your teeth and will enhance your smile. The composite resin helps to preserve your teeth as it adheres much better. Also when you choose the composite resin the tooth is sealed to protect against food and saliva preventing decay. Non metal fillings are more durable, they do not expand and contract like the metal fillings and have little chance of a fracture to your tooth. Porcelain fillings will last a lifetime as opposed to amalgam which only lasts ten to fifteen years.

Many dentists now advertise that their practice offers amalgam or mercury free dental care so it is easy to find a professional who will provide this service.

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