Amalgam or Composite Cavity Fillings – Which Is Better?

If you have a dental cavity, you’ll need a dental filling to stop the spread of tooth decay and protect your tooth from further damage. Your dentist in West Salem, WI, can help. At Allen Dental, we provide cavity fillings to help restore the functionality and beauty of your teeth.

When you’re getting a cavity filling, you’ll need to choose between two types: amalgam and composite. Knowing the difference, including the strengths and weaknesses of each, can help you decide what’s best for you.

What’s An Amalgam Filling?

An amalgam filling is a metal filling. For many decades, dentists have used these metal fillings to fill cavities and protect teeth from further decay.

Many patients prefer amalgam fillings because they are long-lasting and durable. However, one disadvantage is their appearance: they are dark silver and can even appear black.

What’s a Composite Dental Filling?

Composite fillings are made of composite resin. These fillings look like the tooth itself, so they’re often preferred in teeth near the mouth’s front. Composite fillings are not as durable and long-lasting as amalgam fillings.

Which One Is Best?

Choosing amalgam or composite fillings for your teeth depends on many factors. You may prefer a composite filling because of its appearance or an amalgam filling because of its durability. Your insurance company may cover one type of filling, not the other, so you may need to choose based on the cost.

Your dentist can help you choose which cavity fillings in West Salem, WI, are best for you. At Allen Dental, we’ll walk you through the pros and cons, and when you’ve made a choice, we’ll install the filling that you prefer.