Metal vs. Composite Fillings By drednarcisi on October 10, 2011

If you want to have a smile that’s healthy and looks great, it’s important that you visit with skilled dental professionals. Under their care, they will be able to prevent major dental problems from occurring and improve the overall appearance of your smile while doing so. At our Pittsburgh area cosmetic dentistry center, Dr. Edward Narcisi will take special care to ensure that you smile is the best that it can be.

Dealing with Cavities and Tooth Decay

One of the most common problems that people face in terms of dental health is tooth decay. This happens when the bacteria that are naturally found in the mouth feeds on the sugars and food particles left on your teeth. These food particles will be converted into an acid as they are broken down, eroding the enamel of the tooth and possibly the dentin layer. If not dealt with, the decay can spread through the tooth and the interior pulp of the tooth, causing pain, poor bite strength, and a number of aesthetic problems.

About Dental Fillings

In order to restore the integrity of your tooth, it’s important that you get dental fillings. There are a common treatment option for comprehensive dental care and hygiene. A dental filling is essentially a material that is used to restore tooth structure after it has been lost due to decay. For small amounts of tooth decay such as cavities, dental fillings are the perfect solution.

There are two kinds of dental fillings that you may have heard of: metal fillings and porcelain fillings. Let’s look at both and show why one is superior to the other.

Metal Dental Fillings

In the past, metal dental fillings were used all the time for addressing cavities. These fillings are made from a special metal amalgam which is set inn the tooth and allowed to harden in order to restore decayed tooth material.

Porcelain Dental Fillings

In recent years, porcelain dental fillings have become the choice for many dental professionals. Rather than a metal amalgam material, porcelain dental fillings are made from a composite of ceramic materials that is the same color as a tooth.

Why Porcelain Fillings are Superior to Metal Fillings

One of the primary reasons that porcelain fillings are superior to metal fillings is cosmetics. When porcelain fillings are in place, no one will know that you have them except for you.

There are several dental health reasons to consider as well. Metal fillings often contained some amount of mercury in them, which is highly toxic. Porcelain fillings, on the other hand, do not contain any harmful substances. Metal fillings require removal of more tooth structure during preparation than porcelain fillings. And in addition to these two compelling reasons, metal fillings can expand or contract slightly due to extremes in temperature, which does not happen with porcelain fillings.

Contact Our Practice for More Information on Dental Care

Dental fillings aren’t the only option for dealing with tooth decay. For more substantial cavities and damage, other Pittsburgh area restorative dentistry options are available. To discuss these matters as others in more detail, contact our practice today.

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Dr. Edward Narcisi, DMD

Edward Narcisi, DMD

Dr. Narcisi is devoted to helping patients achieve stunning, healthy smiles through comprehensive dental care. He is a member of many prestigious associations, including: 

  • American Dental Association
  • Pennsylvania Dental Association
  • American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry 
  • Academy of Osseointegration 

To schedule a consultation at the Center for Dental Excellence, request an appointment online or call us at (412) 373-9447.

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