Types of Dental Filling Materials

There are a few different kinds of dental fillings available here in our Oakbridge pediatric dental office. Most people are familiar with traditional amalgam fillings, which are the silver ones on top of the teeth. Amalgam fillings have been used for over 100 years and are made up of tin, silver, zinc, copper, and mercury. The advantages of amalgam fillings include:

• Very durable when covering large cavities or dental cavities on molars
• Hardens quickly, making them perfect for areas of the mouth that are hard to keep dry
• The placement time for amalgam fillings is fast, making them easier to handle for children who have a hard time keeping still

Many parents have concerns about the mercury content in amalgam fillings, but when combined with the other metals, the mercury forms a safe and stable material. The American Dental Association, Center for Disease Control, and Food & Drug Association are all in agreement that dental amalgam is safe for filling dental cavities.

Composite Resin Fillings

We also office mercury-free, resin-based composite dental fillings. These fillings are white, allowing them to blend in more with the teeth. Composite resin fillings are made from plastic mixed with powdered glass, which gives them durability. Benefits of composite resin fillings include:

• Materials are BPA-free
• Blends in with the natural color of the teeth
• Less of the tooth needs to be removed with resin fillings than with amalgam fillings

While they have many advantages, composite resin fillings may cost a bit more than amalgam fillings and will take longer to place. For help with deciding which type of dental filling is right for your child, please contact Piedmont Pediatric Dentistry located here in Greensboro, North Carolina!