For over a century, pediatric dentists have used metal fillings to treat kids’ tooth decay. Using an amalgam material, which consists of many different types of metal, can help improve the strength and longevity of the treatment. Some of the materials in metal or amalgam fillings may include:
Metal fillings are durable and can last for 15 years or more when patients maintain good oral hygiene and visit the dentist regularly for cleanings and checkups. However, metal fillings can have a few drawbacks, including their appearance. In addition, they can cause an increase in tooth sensitivity and have even been shown to cause minor allergic reactions in some young patients. However, these side effects are rare.
Composite fillings do not include any metals, so there are no concerns for children who may be sensitive to those types of ingredients. Instead, these fillings contain either glass or quartz mixed with a resin to create a strong, tooth-colored material. While they are effective in treating cavities, they do not last as long as metal fillings. Most parents can expect to have their child’s filling repaired or replaced after five or more years. However, they are less likely to conduct temperatures and cause tooth sensitivity, and they are often more natural-looking, leading to greater confidence and a more beautiful smile.
Many parents are opposed to their children receiving metal fillings because they contain mercury. In large amounts, mercury can become very harmful and even dangerous. However, the amount used in a dental filling is well below the threshold for safety.
The American Dental Association takes children’s health and wellness very seriously and helps ensure that the materials used for dental treatment are both safe and effective. Time and research have shown that the risks for unsafe levels of mercury exposure from metal fillings are minimal and far outweighed by the risks of developing serious complications from untreated tooth decay.
Even so, many parents feel uncomfortable about choosing a dental treatment that contains mercury for their children. Composite fillings provide an alternative. They yield effective results and are a mercury-free product.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Composite Fillings in Middletown, NY
In most situations, composite fillings are an acceptable and desirable option for treating tooth decay. They are often preferred by young patients who are sensitive to metals or want to avoid any additional mercury exposure. However, in some situations, a pediatric dentist may still recommend an amalgam filling. Talk with your child’s dentist to determine which option is right for them and their dental health.
Request an appointment or call Hudson Valley Pediatric Dentistry at 845-363-4177 for an appointment in our Middletown office.
Even with healthy oral habits, children can find themselves in need of dental restoration. Tooth-colored fillings allow pediatric dentists to provide their patients with aesthetically pleasing results. Here are some details on choosing this restorative option to repair dental cavities.Today, patients want teeth to look natural when laughing or smiling, as this can affect their…
Created with quartz or glass and using a resin medium, composite fillings are quickly becoming the go-to for many pediatric dentists. The fillings restore functionality to broken teeth by allowing the patient to bite or chew without pain. In addition, because the fillings look like natural teeth, they may help with self-esteem in relation to…
If your child has cavities, consider composite fillings. Compared to traditional fillings, the newer composite variety offers some significant benefits.Composite restorations consist of synthetic resin, a plastic material mixed with tiny particles of quartz or glass. The result is a solid, tooth-colored paste that becomes hard and sturdy when it dries. Because it consists of…
Flossing is an oral hygiene basic that everyone should know. Just like adults, dentists recommend…
A healthy smile requires a lifetime of focusing on oral hygiene basics. Even if your…
A firm understanding of oral hygiene basics can prevent tooth decay, gum disease, and general…
Helping your child practice oral hygiene basics is essential for tooth health, comfort, and overall…
Caring for children's braces is important to their dental health journey.
A child with many cavities will need many visits to shorten the chair time.
