You know that fillings can be made to blend with your other teeth, but you may also know that silver fillings are another option you can consider. Similarly, if you have a silver filling, did you know that you could have it replaced? Having a silver filling replaced can have benefits including improving the appearance of your smile.
Aside from their cosmetic drawbacks, silver fillings can actually hide decay from dental X-rays. While this is relatively uncommon, there is about a 20% chance that a silver filling could hide tooth decay. While this may not seem like a serious issue, if decay isn’t treated quickly enough, it can spread and become far worse.
Furthermore, some studies suggest that silver fillings don’t actually strengthen your teeth. In crude terms, silver fillings act as a wedge between the damaged tooth and the rest of your mouth. In other words, they may not distribute force evenly when you bite, which could leave your other teeth more likely to chip or crack.
Please don’t misunderstand: there are also a number of benefits to silver fillings. If you’re interested in learning more about your filling options, please don’t hesitate to contact Chicago Osteopathic Hospital Dental Clinic PC at 773-947-4665. Dr. William Wilson and our team are eager to hear from you soon.