A filling is used to treat a cavity caused by tooth decay. There are two types of fillings: amalgam and composite. Silver/amalgam fillings were more common in the past, but recent research suggests that they may do long-term damage to your health. As a result, most dentists and patients today prefer to treat cavities with composite fillings. Rather than metals, this option is made of a mixture of smooth glass and plastic particles and can be blended to match the shade of the surrounding teeth. Keep reading to learn more about the long-term effects of silver fillings and why replacing them for composite may make sense for you.
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