Fillings
Tooth colored fillings (composite) vs silver filling (Amalgam)
Fillings help restore teeth damaged by decay back to their normal function, and can prevent further decay. Dr. Ami will consider a number of factors when choosing which type of filling material is best for you. These factors include the extent of the repair, where in your mouth the filling is needed and the cost.
Composite Filling
These are a mixture of glass or quartz filler in a plastic resin medium that produces a tooth-colored filling. They are recommended only for the repair of small-to-mid size chips, fractures, or cavities and can be used to repair both front and back teeth. Composites provide good durability and resistance to fracture in teeth that need to withstand mild to moderate chewing pressure.
Amalgam filling:
Are they safe?
Millions of people have amalgam fillings. Concern has been raised over the mercury in amalgam.
Many studies on the safety of amalgam fillings have been done. In 2009, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) evaluated this research. It found no reason to limit the use of amalgam. The FDA concluded that amalgam fillings are safe for adults and children ages 6 and above.
However, some groups asked the FDA to reconsider. That review is under way.
See the FDA’s amalgam information page to learn more.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Unlike amalgam fillings, tooth-colored fillings are a custom-mixed resin composite. The composite mixture is matched to your tooth color and bonded directly to the tooth. This usually results in a filling that is nearly indistinguishable from your natural tooth.
Meet Our Doctor:
Dr. Ami Agbabli DDS
Doctor of Dental Surgery | Published Author
Dr. Ami is a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS), a Missionary, Humanitarian and Philanthropist and a Published Author .
She grew up in The Republic of Togo, before coming to the U.S as a high school teenager . Since her childhood, Dr. Ami shows a keen interest in people’s well-being and always knew she was called to the profession of healthcare. She received her High School diploma from Litchfield High in Gadsden Alabama. After graduating from the University of Alabama in Birmingham in ...
