Walnut Grove Dental Care: Composite Fillings vs Amalgam Fillings

4 Apr 2019 Dental Services

Understanding the difference between composite fillings and amalgam fillings can help you choose the best dental care options for your particular needs. At JVR Dental in Walnut Grove, Langley, they want to help you make the best decisions for your oral healthcare needs. That is why they offer a range of restorative dentistry services, including dental fillings, to patients of all ages.

What are Composite Fillings?

Composite resin fillings are made up of ground white porcelain and durable resins (plastic and glass compounds) that can easily be colour-matched to the tooth being restored. Since resin works to mimic the appearance of natural teeth, the fillings are designed to blend in, giving you an aesthetically appealing look overall.

Pros of Composite Fillings

One of the biggest advantages of getting composite fillings from your Walnut Grove Dentist is that they are designed to bond directly to the surface of the tooth being repaired, providing a seamless and nearly invisible repair. Composite resin fillings also work to preserve the maximum amount of tooth possible, requiring less drilling and offering a tighter bond to the tooth.

Cons of Composite Fillings

While composite resin fillings are designed to preserve the maximum amount of tooth possible, the process of placing the resin filling is more involved and will often take more of your Walnut Grove dentist’s time. Composite fillings also only offer a lifespan of about five to seven years, which is half the lifetime of an amalgam filling.

What are Amalgam Fillings?

Amalgam fillings are made up of a mixture of metals, including silver, tin, copper, and mercury. While mercury makes up about 50% of the amalgam filling compound, mercury that has been combined with other metals forms a safe and stable compound. Amalgam fillings are also known as silver fillings for their silver colouring.

Pros of Amalgam Fillings

Since amalgam fillings have been used for over a century, they have been proven to be a long-lasting option, offering a lifespan of 10 to 15 years. Compared to composite resin fillings, amalgam fillings are also often a more affordable cavity treatment.

Cons of Amalgam Fillings

One of the biggest drawbacks for getting amalgam fillings from your Walnut Grove dentist is their silver colour, which makes them extremely noticeable and hard to miss when your mouth is open wide. In some cases, people may even be sensitive to the metals in the amalgam, showing signs of an allergic reaction.

If you would like to learn more about the differences between composite fillings and amalgam fillings, or if you are looking for a family dentist in Walnut Grove to handle your restorative dental care needs, please get in touch with the dental professionals from JVR Dental at 604-371-3188 or by filling out a contact form on their website.