Patients have been known to care less about the type of tooth filling they receive. The underlying factor being the ability by a dentist to advice on the right type of filling for a particular condition of the tooth. As much as there are many pros and cons of using these fillings on ones tooth, those of composite are of more benefit than amalgam fillings according to my observation. Amalgam is a silver like metallic tooth filling that is a combination of zin, lead, tin and mercury while composite are tooth colored filling composed of a polymer material that looks like a natural tooth.
White composite represent a more advance technology which makes the tooth have the stress required to serve in the back tooth the amalgam fillings can be placed within the need for much training. It is also more resistance to fracture making it effective compared to amalgam. Composites are toxic-free while mercury used to make amalgams is regarded as toxic. In addition, composites are aesthetic. The advantage of using amalgam is in its cost since composite are found to be more expensive because it requires special expertise and expensive materials and training if they are to be placed right. Insurance companies influence patients to choose the least expensive treatment and not the best.
Teeth restored with white fillings are less sensitive to cold and hot than teeth restored with amalgam even if correct technique is used. Composites also require less removal of structure compared to teeth preparations using amalgam fillings. The composites also restore the natural appearance of the teeth. Silver fillings have a longer history of use making them obsolete on some effects compared to composites. The amalgam filling itself is a stronger one but it weakens the tooth making it more susceptible to falling out. However, in larger cavities and on the back teeth these materials are not as strong as amalgam and often fails
However studies have shown that composite fillings outlasts amalgam ones. Composites also have a more restorative material than amalgam. The white composite also uses a cheap material that easily chips. Many recent articles, however, have indicated that there is hope in herbal medicine’s capability to clean teeth which is likely to revert all the silver and white fillings known to be expensive. As much this can be a move in the right direction of a scientific breakthrough, there is need to lobby the government to put in place policies to guide these sector.
With all the above pros and cons of these tooth filling materials, there is a crucial part that should be played by individuals; that on diet .The need to have a regular diet on foods that provides strong formation of teeth an shying away from consumption of sugary foods is also a venture we should invest in if we are to forget all the expenses associated with these tooth fillings. Subsidizing of health programmes among our health sectors and clearing in our midst quack doctors will be a move in the right direction.