If you had a filling fitted some time ago, it's probably an amalgam filling. You can tell simply by looking at a filling that its quite old; newer fillings meld with the colour of the tooth, while older ones look distinctly metallic.
It might seem unnecessary to have an amalgam filling replaced, and it isn't always something that a dentist will tell you absolutely needs to be done. That said, there are plenty of important benefits that come along with replacing those old amalgam fillings, from the way the filling looks to the way it protects your teeth.
1. Cosmetic Appeal
Probably the most obvious and immediate benefit of replacing your amalgam fillings is that they are not very cosmetically appealing. The dull grey appearance doesn't exactly blend well with the rest of the teeth, and these fillings can be quite noticeable when you speak to people or smile. Compounding this problem is the fact that amalgam will tend to discolour the surface of the tooth itself over time, making it appearance increasingly grey. Modern fillings do not suffer in the same way; they will remain the same colour as the surrounding tooth surface.
2. Mercury Content
Mercury is used during the creation of amalgam since it makes the material more pliable, creating a compound that is soft enough to be pressed into the cavity of a tooth. It also ensures that the filling hardens quickly. However, the use of mercury has become quite controversial in recent years since excess mercury in the body can cause mercury poisoning. The debate still rages as to whether using mercury in fillings is safe, but it's probably best to err on the side of caution and have your amalgam fillings replaced. Tooth-coloured fillings do not contain mercury.
3. Amalgam Fillings Expand and Contract
One of the worst things about metal-based fillings is that they react to changes in temperature. When encountering higher temperatures, amalgam fillings will swell slightly; when encountering colder temperatures, amalgam fillings will slightly contract. Unfortunately, the mouth is subject to such temperature shifts all the time; all you need to do is drink some ice water and then eat something warm. Those small expansions and contractions are a big problem since they can eventually cause the surrounding tooth to break or crack.
4. Peace of Mind
If you have an older filling, it's going to improve your everyday peace of mind to have it replaced with something newer. Beyond cosmetic appeal and structural integrity, you'll simply enjoy the fact that a newer filling is less likely to break down and come out. Additionally, it might be a good idea for the dentist to look under the filling. It is possible for decay to develop beneath, and cavities often go undetected since fillings appear opaque on x-ray scans.
For more information, contact a local cosmetic dentistry.
