Tooth cavity is a concerning issue as it leads to tooth decay along with other oral health issues, that need to be addressed before worsening. Many individuals have dental anxieties which you should discuss with your dentist Dee Why. Dental issues disrupt the daily routine of a person and cause extreme pain. You can experience a dental injury that requires dental filling and a thought might come to your mind about the toxicity of tooth fillings. In this blog, we’ll understand the tooth fillings in detail and the types of material that can be dangerous for you.
Tooth fillings are used to bridge the tooth holes and cavities that are causing extreme pain and discomfort. Through restorative dentistry, you can protect your teeth and restore the lost shape and strength. Tooth fillings are made of amalgam, ceramic, resin, gold, and glass ionomer.
Amalgam Filling: These standard fillings have a silver colour and are composed of copper, tin, silver, and mercury. Amalgam fillings are long-lasting but require more time to solidify. It is generally advised to hold off on eating solid foods for at least 24 hours. You should refrain from chewing on the side of your mouth that has the filling during this period.
Composite Resin Fillings: These are resin-based fillings that are tooth-colored. Composite fillings adhere to the tooth directly and are more aesthetically pleasing. The good news is that, when exposed to a specific light that your dentist uses, composite fillings harden practically instantly. This implies that you can eat within an hour or so of the procedure. Still, it is better to wait for the anesthesia and numbness to wear off.
Ceramic Fillings: These porcelain-made tooth fillings are frequently utilized for crowns, inlays, or onlays. Ceramic fillings can be set quickly, just like composite fillings, so you can eat them right away. But because these fillings are usually larger, your dentist Dee Why might suggest waiting a little while longer, usually a few hours. It is to ensure the adhesive or cement has had time to fully set.
Gold Fillings: Gold fillings are less common to be used as tooth filling material. You will need to go to the Dental Clinic Dee Why more than once, and you will have to wait longer to eat. You can usually resume normal eating habits after a day, though your dentist will give you specific instructions.
The simple answer is, No. Tooth fillings are not toxic because they protect your teeth from damage by filling the cavities (holes). Many dentists believe that not all tooth fillings are dangerous but amalgam can be slightly upsetting because of the use of mercury in its production. Mercury is toxic and health risks may arise over time. Its exposure can lead to serious health issues like;
Mercury is not harmful in solid form but it will be drastic in liquid or gaseous form. When you eat or drink it will release its vapor form. The vapours will release toxicity which is harmful for your overall health as well as oral health.
Amalgam filling must not be used by the following individuals;
Pregnant ladies: Placing mercury in the pregnant lady’s tooth can be harmful to the mother and fetus. The vapours released from mercury while eating and drinking can be harmful, especially if you’re allergic to metals. However, the data is very limited showing harmful effects.
Children: Mercury doesn’t provide harm to children but children under age six are not good candidates for the amalgam filling. Children are still in the process of growth and their teeth are still developing. That’s why dentists prohibit children from getting tooth filling.
Metal Sensitivity: People who’re allergic to metal and other components of dental fillings should avoid treating their teeth with tooth filling. You can consult your dentist to demonstrate which dental filling suits you the best.
In conclusion, it is always better to seek an expert’s advice before deciding on the future of your health. Metal dental fillings are harmful for some individuals and avoiding them is the best solution to prevent future complications. After consulting your dentist at Dental Clinic Dee Why, you can choose alternatives for metal filling, like ceramic dental filling, porcelain dental filling, etc.
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