Biocompatible fillings are made from a durable, tooth-colored composite material that can be used instead of silver or gold when treating cavities or decayed teeth. Biocompatible means having the capability to coexist with living tissues or organisms without causing harm. In the case of a biocompatible filling, this means it has gone through careful testing and is a substance that’s non-toxic, non-injurious and won’t cause an adverse reaction from your immune system. While a few patients may have an allergic response to the material, most will react to biocompatible filling as if it were their tissue.
When you remove a cavity or decay from your tooth, fillings are used to strengthen the tooth, prevent further decay and to protect the tooth from other potential problems. Fillings need to be as strong as a tooth to keep your mouth healthy and functional.
In the past, metals like silver and gold were used as fillings, but with the advancements of dental procedures and technologies, more tooth-colored, non-toxic, biocompatible options became available. Today, many dental filling options exist. Porcelain, tooth-colored plastic, composite resin fillings are all approved and widely used options. The location of the decay, the level of severity, your preference and your doctor’s recommendation all play a part in deciding which filling is best for your needs.
Prosthodontist Dr. Mamaly Reshad and his team at ArtLab Dentistry of Woodland Hills are more than qualified to perform the best cavity and decayed tooth repair. We use biocompatible fillings that are cosmetically beautiful, strong and long-lasting. If you are living with pain from a cavity or decayed tooth, your best bet at relief is to call us for a private consultation today.
Replacing Silver Fillings
While there are definitive disadvantages, dentists still use silver in the treatment of cavities and decayed teeth. The main two reasons people are inclined to steer clear of silver, and even replace them when already installed, is the fact that silver isn’t tooth-colored and the possible toxicity of the material, as silver fillings can be made up of as much as 50% mercury. For these reasons, many patients decide to have their silver fillings replaced with more biocompatible materials.
There is some debate on the issue of silver fillings and its use of mercury. Some people worry that there is a risk of mercury leaching, while others feel that it’s a safe material to use in dental fillings. Currently, there is a lack of sufficient evidence that silver fillings are harmful, which is why it is still an acceptable material to use.
Whether you desire to get your silver fillings replaced for the potential toxic reason or the cosmetic concern, Dr. Reshad of the ArtLab Dentistry is an expert with dental fillings and can provide high-quality silver filling replacements for you.
Call today for a consultation and end the pain you may be experiencing because of a cavity, or your concerns about mercury or non-tooth colored molars due to a silver filling. Our compassionate and experienced prosthodontist Dr. Reshad is here to discuss these issues with you and help you decide on the best course of treatment.