You've gotten the bad news that you have a cavity. Now the dentist wants to know which type of filling you would like to use. You may know little to nothing about dental fillings, so that decision can be hard to make. There are two main types of dental fillings: amalgam or resin composite fillings. Both have their pros and cons. Here is a little information about these filling types so you can make the best decision for you.

Amalgam Fillings

This type of filling is sometimes referred to as a silver filling, but in reality it is made up of copper, tin, mercury, and silver. Mercury is needed to hold the copper, tin, and silver together. This makes for a strong, long-lasting filling. Amalgam is used mostly for filling in the back of the mouth, such as the molars. Dentists generally prefer them because they are quick and easy to work with. They are also the least expensive of all the filling types.

Resin Composite Fillings

This filling type is popular because it can be made to look like the same color as teeth so it's less noticeable than the amalgam fillings, which are silver in color. It's generally used in the front of the mouth because it does blend in with your teeth better than the amalgam fillings, and because the composite fillings aren't as strong, so they aren't as durable when used in the back of the mouth. They do tend to take longer to install and are more expensive than the amalgam.

Which Type is Best for You?

Both types have their pros and cons so it mainly depends on which one works best for you. Some people don't like the amalgam fillings because they do contain a large amount of mercury. Studies have been mixed, but show that some mercury can be released into the body. Some countries including Canada have banned the use of amalgam fillings in pregnant women, children, and those with kidney disease.  However, amalgam fillings tend to last significantly longer than resin composite fillings.

As you can see, there are some major differences and concerns for each type of filling. If you are worried about the silver being noticeable, then you might want to go with the composite resin filling. However, if you want to make sure the filling lasts as long as possible, then the amalgam filling might be the best type for you. Weigh the pros and cons of each filling type and consider what will be best for your situation so you can make the best decision for you. Visit http://www.reedorthodonticsnaples.com to learn more.