At Optima Dental Care, our dentist does not use fillings made out of dental amalgam. Instead, Dr. Scott Johnson prefers fillings made with composite resin. As a dentist who wishes to provide high-quality care, Dr. Johnson uses composite instead of amalgam for several reasons.
Mercury and Allergen Avoidance
More than half of the amalgam mixture is mercury. This metal is a known neurotoxin; your exposure to it should be minimized. The ADA considers the gradual contact with mercury caused by fillings alone to be safe. However, that determination does not take other forms of mercury exposure into account.
Additionally, the other metals in dental amalgam can cause allergic reactions. You could not use silver fillings if you have any sensitivities to metal.
Composite fillings avoid these concerns entirely. They do not contain mercury, and there are no known allergies to composite resin. Dr. Johnson prefers composite fillings because they improve your oral health and protect your overall well-being.
Teeth Fracture Risks
Amalgam fillings expand over time. This malleability under pressure makes them as durable as their reputation states. However, the teeth under the fillings do not expand. Instead, they will eventually crack.
Composite fillings are much more stable and do not put this same pressure on treated teeth. Treated teeth have their immediate health needs addressed without the risk of future fracturing.
Dr. Johnson prefers composite because he is a dentist who pays attention to the oral health – systemic health relationship.
Cosmetic Enhancement
There is a link between the beauty of a person’s smile and their perceived quality of life. Not everyone’s confidence is affected by their appearance. Yet, for many, an improved appearance through good-looking teeth helps them enjoy life more.
Amalgam fillings are easily noticed in the smile. Their dark, silvery color does not blend into the bright, white appearance of the other teeth at all. These restorations negatively impact the natural beauty of your teeth.
In contrast, composite fillings have the same bright, white coloration as the rest of your smile. These restorations do not hinder your beauty or confidence. If anything, the addition of tooth-colored resin bolsters your appearance and self-image.
Contact Us for Restorative Dental Care
Optima Dental Care provides composite fillings in Post Falls, Coeur d’Alene, Hayden, and all surrounding communities. Dr. Johnson helps you rebuild your smile without risking your overall health or beauty. For more information, call our practice and schedule an appointment with Dr. Johnson today.