Tooth decay, unfortunately, cannot be reversed once it has developed past a certain point. Cavities must be promptly removed before the decay has a chance to spread to other parts of the tooth and the surrounding teeth. Once tooth decay is removed, the missing portion of the tooth will need to be replaced, or “filled in.” In more severe cases, a restoration like a dental crown will need to be placed instead, but we try to stop the damage before it reaches that point whenever possible.
Silver Fillings & Mercury
Since dental fillings are used to replace sections of teeth, restore their appearance, and help protect them from further damage, fillings are not harmful to a patient’s overall oral health. When it comes to dental fillings, the biggest health concern usually pertains to amalgam, or silver fillings, and the presence of mercury. A silver filling that contains even the tiniest amount of mercury can have serious consequences for patients, as mercury is known to affect the brain. Because of this, many modern amalgam fillings no longer contain traces of mercury and are safe for patients to utilize.
Composite Resin Fillings
Our office uses composite resin fillings, which are durable, safe, and designed to blend in with the surrounding teeth. Composite resin is made of ceramic and plastic compounds. Some patients are concerned about their composite dental fillings containing BPA, which is sometimes present in the production of certain plastics and resins. High levels of BPA are linked to diabetes, high blood pressure, and cardiovascular disease, but according to the FDA, the very low levels that may be present in our food and water are safe for consumption. In fact, you may encounter higher levels of BPA from drinking out of plastic water bottles and using plastic food containers than you would from receiving a filling or dental sealants.
Patient Safety Is Out Top Priority
At Gary Johnson DDS Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, patient safety is our number one priority. We never want to harm our patients in any way, and we certainly want all of our patients to maintain positive oral and overall health. If you have any additional questions or concerns for our team regarding dental fillings or any other restorative service, please don’t hesitate to contact us, and we will be happy to assist you.