Which Is Better: Composite or Amalgam Fillings?

If you have a cavity, getting a filling as soon as possible is important. Cavity fillings prevent dental decay and help protect your teeth from more serious dental problems, like dental infection.

If you’re suffering from a cavity, your dentist in Elk Grove Village, IL, can help. The dental professionals at Schumer Family Dental Care provide amalgam and composite cavity fillings, so you can choose the best type of cavity filling for you.

How Can I Tell If I Have a Cavity?

It’s not always easy to tell if you have a cavity. Some people don’t notice any symptoms at all. Others may notice mild symptoms. Here are some signs that you have a cavity:

• Toothache or tooth sensitivity
• Discoloration on your tooth
• A hole in your tooth or a rough area of tooth decay
• Pain when you bite down
• Bad breath that can’t be treated by brushing your teeth

What Is a Cavity Filling?

A cavity filling is a material that fills in the hole, protects your tooth from further decay, and helps restore your tooth to a normal shape. Cavity fillings are a standard treatment for dental cavities.

Amalgam

Amalgam fillings are made from a mixture of metals. Amalgam is silver when it’s first installed in your tooth and turns darker with time.

Amalgam fillings are a tried-and-true solution for cavities and have been used for decades to help restore dental health. Amalgam is also a very long-lasting filling material that can last a lifetime if the patient takes good care of their teeth.

Composite

Composite fillings are made from a tooth-colored composite resin that blends seamlessly with tooth enamel. Composite fillings are often the preferred material for anyone with a cavity near the front of their mouth. Unfortunately, composite fillings do not last as long as amalgam fillings. Some insurance companies do not cover composite fillings.

Which One Is Better?

Whether composite or amalgam fillings are better for you depends on your budget, insurance, where the cavity is, and other factors. Your dentist can help you decide. To get started with cavity fillings in Elk Grove Village, IL, contact Schumer Family Dental Care today.