Do you have silver fillings in your mouth? Are you considering removing them to put in composite fillings? With the advances in the health care industry, many oral care patients ask their dentist about the pros and cons of silver filings. There are some side effects of removing silver filings, but most people recognize that silver fillings are outdated, and new types of fillings are much more efficient.

Before you make any decision, you should know the pros and cons of mercury-silver fillings.

Pro’s

Mercury-silver fillings or “amalgam.” They have been around for hundreds of years, and it is the same material that was used back then. Obviously, with the advancements of society that makes mercury-silver of fillings extremely outdated. The primary material used in these types of fillings is mercury with silver, with a little tin, nickel, copper, and other metals.

There is controversy about metals in your mouth, but note that metals are a good investment for health because they can last for many years because the metal corrodes, and “self-seals” the micro gaps between the tooth and the filling.

Metals, in general, naturally rust, which means that the metal itself will help keep bacteria away. Because rust is toxic to bacteria, it will push away build up. Reoccurring dental decay is very rare when using a metal filling. However, with these slight benefits, in today’s dentistry industry, mercury-silver fillings are considered to be ancient fashion.

Con’s

There are a few problems with using metal in your mouth. The first is when metal corrodes, it will expand. This is because every metal will expand over time. And if it is in your mouth, it is not necessarily a good thing. As the metal expands, it will most likely put pressure on your tooth. In some cases, this will cause a tooth fracture.

Alternatives

If you don’t want to use metal in your mouth, there are alternatives. Each with their advantages and disadvantages. You can meet with your dentist to discuss the best options for restoring your teeth. Composite fillings are tooth-colored, which makes them a popular choice.

Metal is not your only choice, note that there are better materials that not only look better, but function better, and are much safer and more kind to your teeth.

There are many metal materials used in the industry. Factories need to produce the metal for the fillings. For a place for sheet metal Portland, visit American Precision Industries Metal Specialties.