Historically, dentists relied on amalgam, or silver, fillings to treat tooth decay. These repairs are made from powdered metals, such as siler, tin, and copper, combined with about 50% liquid mercury as a bonding agent. These resilient materials can withstand the daily pressure of biting and chewing, but unfortunately, they can also pose various problems.

Thankfully, most providers today offer lifelike tooth-colored fillings made from composite resin instead. Continue reading to learn more about 3 excellent reasons to treat cavities with these realistic restorations rather than their metallic counterparts!

For decades, metal (amalgam) fillings were a common solution for repairing cavities. These fillings are durable and have helped millions of people preserve their natural teeth. However, if you have older metal fillings, you may be wondering whether it’s time to replace them.

The answer depends on the condition of the filling and your individual oral health. While not every metal filling needs to be replaced, there are several reasons your dentist may recommend upgrading to a modern tooth-colored restoration.