Perhaps you have heard that there's a new way to have your fillings done now, there's a new kind of filling. If you hadn't, you probably wouldn't be reading this article, as the pros and cons of silver amalgam fillings wouldn't matter, given the fact that they'd be your only option. But nowadays it's all about choices. You can choose your cell phone, hair dye, nose, and so on-why not your fillings, too?
    The long and short of it is that you can, and that silver amalgam fillings are perhaps not your best choice. They are cheaper, it is true, than their counterparts-called white composite fillings-but consider a few other things.
    Let's say you have sensitive teeth. Let's say that when you eat ice cream a sharp pain shoots through your head, and the same thing happens when you eat hot soup. They have special toothpastes now that can help with this problem, but if you get a cavity you're in real trouble no matter what toothpaste you use. Because a cavity means that a dentist is going to come along and drill right into the afflicted tooth, dig out the rotten stuff, and replace it with-you guessed it, a filling. You can bet that your tooth will be much more sensitive from then on, even more sensitive than it was before. Even when it has healed from the trauma of drilling etc., you're going to have a problem. That is, you're going to have a problem if you've chosen silver amalgam fillings over white composite fillings. Because metal, as everyone knows, is a great conductor of heat and cold. Not only is metal a great conductor of heat and cold, heat and cold tend to stick around a lot longer if they've got metal to rest in. And all of this means that you, Mr. or Mrs. Sensitive to Cold and Heat, have just had your troubles increased significantly.
    Every time you eat something hot or cold, that is, the sensation is going to dig right down into your tooth, much like the dentist did with his drill, and it's going to linger, and linger, and linger.
    So much for silver amalgams and heat and cold sensitivity. What other things should you consider when choosing between silver amalgam fillings and white composite fillings? If money was not a problem, which should you choose-the silver or the white?
    Another thing to think of is the difference in appearance between silver amalgam fillings and white composite fillings. Whereas white composite fillings are, well, white-kind of like your tooth-silver amalgam fillings are, well, silver-until they've sat around in your mouth for a while, whereupon they'll start to darken, and before you know it it looks as though you've got a mouthful of dirt.
    Choosing silver amalgam fillings also means saving less of your actual tooth. When using white composite fillings, dentists are able to drill much narrower holes than those required for silver amalgam fillings. Having more of your original tooth means having a stronger tooth, one that's less liable to crack or fracture under pressure later on.
    Finally, there is some question about the health risks involved in choosing silver amalgam fillings over white composite fillings. Now, it's obvious that silver amalgams must be relatively safe, otherwise your aunts and uncles wouldn't be as hale and hardy as a they are. I mean, given the fact that there's a good chance they're walking around lots of silver in their teeth. On the other hand, as they say, it's better to be safe than sorry, and why not choose something a tiny bit more safe than something a tiny bit more dangerous?
    These are a few things to keep in mind when considering whether or not to go with silver amalgam fillings. Silver amalgam fillings are a perfectly good option, and saving money is always good. But many dentists are switching over to white composite fillings exclusively, and I think you'll find that difference in dollars isn't all that much.

The question about white composite fillings versus silver amalgam fillings is asked less often these days than it was formerly when white composite fillings were a relatively new option. Nowadays, some dentists don't even give you a choice: it's white composite fillings or nothing. Many dentists, knowing of the advantages of white composite fillings, have simply switched over, as it were, so that white composite fillings are simply "the" fillings, much as silver amalgam fillings used to be "the" fillings. That said, let's look at five reasons to get white composite fillings.
1.    The first reason to get white composite fillings has to do with your looks. We've all had the experience of being a little too near to a person when they yawn, giving us an eyeful of metaly molars. It's not at attractive sight. You don't want people to think you have black food stuck in your teeth when laughing or yawning etc. White composite fillings, as opposed to their silver counterparts, look natural-most people barely even notice them, if they notice them at all. So, the first reason to get white composite fillings: you'll look nicer than otherwise.
2.    The second reason you want to get white composite fillings has to do with tooth strength. When inserting a white composite filling the dentist is able to drill a much smaller hole than he would with silver amalgam fillings. This means that you're able to keep more of your natural tooth. A natural tooth is a strong tooth, whereas a tooth filled up with foreign objects is prone to crack and break. So, the second reason to choose white composite fillings over silver amalgam fillings is: your tooth will be stronger than otherwise.
3.    The third reason you want to get white composite fillings has to with comfort. Metal, as you know, attracts heat and cold. White composite fillings don't attract heat and cold. This means that for people whose teeth are sensitive to begin with, a silver amalgam filling is going to intensify their sensitivity, and they may not be able to ever eat hot or cold foods without pain. But even if your teeth aren't sensitive, they're more likely to be if you choose against white composite fillings. May as well not start a bad habit by doing so. The third reason to choose white composite fillings over silver amalgam fillings is: comfort; your teeth, and thus your head, will be a lot more comfortable if you do.
4.    The fourth reason you want to get white composite fillings has to do with health. The fact is that silver amalgam fillings contain elements that some would argue are dangerous to humans. Not all humans may be affected by them, of course-your grandma and grandpa probably have some good ol' silver fillings dating back to their childhood, and they're still kicking-but you might as well be cautious. White composite fillings are made from safer stuff than their metal counterparts. The fourth reason to choose white composite fillings over silver amalgam fillings is: you don't want to take any chances with your health.
5.    The fifth reason you want to get white composite fillings has to do with simply being up with the times. When it comes to something as important as your teeth, why settle for old, outdated technology? It won't be too many years before white composite fillings have completely pushed silver amalgam fillings aside. Why not choose the better process now? Why stick with cassette tapes when CDs are obviously the new wave? The fifth reason to choose white composite fillings over silver amalgam fillings is: you want to be current.

Not all fillings are created equally. What are the differences of white fillings versus silver fillings? Well there are several differences in the way these fillings are made. However there are also many differences in the reasons that a dentist is more likely to use one filling over another with different patients.

White fillings or composite fillings and silver fillings or amalgam fillings are that they are created for different reasons. It is not all about the look either. Here are some specifics about each of these types of fillings.

White fillings or composite fillings

a.    Bonding ability to strengthen the overall tooth
b.    Natural looking increasing overall self esteem of the patient
c.    Less sensitivity to heat and cold
d.    Over the long run these fillings save money
e.    These fillings are free of toxins like mercury
f.    There is less need to remove so much of the tooth that is has decay
g.    They are more expensive to make originally
h.    The placement uses a higher level of technology
i.    Composite is more aesthetics than the silver fillings

Silver or amalgam fillings

a.    These are the tried and true fillings, they have been around for years
b.    Silver fillings are less expensive to have initially put in
c.    No extra training to the dentists
d.    Where a composite filling takes more time and needs special placement like the site the filling is being completed cannot have any saliva, so therefore there has to be cotton placed in several places in the patients mouth causing some discomfort, the silver fillings do not have any needs like this.
e.    The filling itself is very strong
f.    There is some concern that the mercury in the filling material weakens the tooth
g.    It takes roughly 40% less time to create a silver filling than it does to make a white filling

Many dentsist are so used to putting in the silver fillings that they continue to do this even with the technology available for the composite fillings. However the dentists that want to look at all the options will give you the  choice. There is a duty to the patient to explain all the options available. So if the dentist does not ask you what you want, they are not thinking about your overall satisfaction of your smile and teeth.

A dentist will put a filing in for certain reasons. Yes, they put it in for the replacement of the decay they remove but it is more than that.

A person with a lower level of oral hygiene practice, or who may not be able to afford the white fillings may be the perfect candidate of silver fillings.

Front teeth look better with the white fillings, so a dentist may look at always putting the white filling in for those teeth.

A person may not be able to sit still long enough carefully to have the composite white fillings placed so a dentist may apply the silver fillings instead.

There are many reasons a dentist will choose to do one type of white fillings versus silver fillings. However remember there are several differences in the two fillings, therefore it is your choice to decide which one will work best for you. Ask your dentist question and see what his or her suggestion is. However the final choice is up to you. It is your teeth and your money.

Fillings have a life span of between five to fifteen years. Therefore, the need and benefits of replacing fillings are important to talk to your dentist about.

The benefits of replacing old fillings are:

Better-looking, whiter fillings
Stronger teeth
Less chance for the bacteria to get in and under the filling increasing decay on the tooth
A lower risk for the filling to fall out or break due to normal every day wear and tear

The types of fillings that you could get are going to be either a direct filling, or an indirect filling.

The indirect fillings are those like caps, or crowns and inlays. These are used usually when there is not enough of a tooth surface to create a sturdy tooth replacement. These fillings usually take a couple of visits to complete.

The direct fillings are the ones that are put in after a dentist has removed the decay and it sits right in or on the tooth. These fillings can be completed in one visit and are usually hard and ready pretty quickly.

There are a couple different fillings that a dentist can place in your mouth in order to fill in the areas of empty tooth, where decay had to be removed. These fillings can come in the dental amalgam, ceramic form, or cast gold alloy. Here are some characteristics of each kind.

Dental amalgam- this stress bearing substance is made from different types of metal, it is usually used when moisture control, hygienic or cost is an over ridding concern with the patient.
Ceramic fillings- these fillings tend to last for a good amount of time. However it is less than the amalgam fillings. There are benefits to the way these fillings look more natural. These fillings can be completed relatively quickly. Also, there is no metallic taste to affect your food and drinks.
Cast gold alloy- these fillings are the longest lasting fillings available. They are also the strongest for normal wear and tear. Gold alloy is a good way to support other forms of fillings in addition to being a good way to strengthen the fillings in teeth.

If fillings are not replaced in a timely manner, the filling will start to separate from the teeth. This is called leaking, and leaking can be a major cause for bacteria to get into the tooth and causes plaque which then causes tooth decay.

The problem with not having regular dental appointment and fillings replaced, is that the decay can not always be seen by brushing, and therefore you may have a tooth or many teeth that are being destroyed and you do not even know it.

With the extreme amount of pressure we put on our teeth every day, it is imperative that we keep our teeth as strong as possible. Old fillings will crack and break as time goes by. The amount of stress we put on our teeth makes it very difficult for fillings to last for a very long time. There are some habits like bad oral care; grinding teeth and smoking that increase the need for replacement of fillings.

In order to know exactly what your teeth need, it is important to make your regular dental appointments and follow through with the suggestions that your dentist informs you are necessary. There may be a need to replace a filling sooner than you think, however there are benefits to replacing those fillings that out weigh the cost.

There are a couple reasons that old filling will fall out. Your dentist will run several tests to help know if this is going to happen. This can be accomplished through x-rays, air tests, and other tests that are done to check for weaknesses in the fillings.

Decay is a major reason that old fillings will fall out. This decay can be caused from several different reasons.

When chewing there is a large amount of pressure that will also over time create a weakened state of filling and will cause it to become loose and possibly fall out.

An average healthy filling will last about seven years. If however there are problems like a leak, crack or if it just falls out. Fillings just do not last forever.

There are also other reasons that fillings fall out. If a tooth was not repaired correctly, or if the filling was not put in correctly, it will fall out. An amalgam filling will fall out if they are not placed in correctly as it is the tooth structure that holds the filling in.

Component fillings are bonded to the tooth, so they are less likely to fall out from improper placement, however they can still where or break.

Saliva is another cause that a filling will fall out. This is because the saliva has bacteria, and therefore if the saliva gets in the way of the filling before it is completed, it will disrupt the bonding process of the filling.

Cosmetics are another reason that a person would have an old filling removed. The discoloration and look of an old filling may cause self-conscious problems and would then be beneficial for removal and replacement.

If a filling is not shaped right, whether it is an amalgam filling or a component filling, it can crack and then fall out. If the filling is higher than the rest of the tooth, this can happen. The regular force of chewing can cause this to happen.

There are also problems where a large amalgam filling is in need for a crown to protect them. With out the crown, the filling is likely to fall out over time.

Fillings tend to pull away from the enamel of the tooth. This is called leaking. Leaking is another problem that can cause a filling to fall out. Leaking is a problem that occurs because the side of the tooth does not meet up with the filling correctly. This can allow bacteria, food, saliva and other contaminants to get into the filling, and then will cause decay that will result in the possibility of the filling falling out.

In order to help fillings last, it is important to follow good oral hygiene steps. This would include going to the dentist regularly, brushing and flossing three times daily, and if you see a crack, feel sensitivity, or become aware of any missing parts to your filling make an appointment with your dentist right away.

White fillings tend to need to be replaced more often than the standard silver.
Whether your filling last for five years or fifteen years, it is important to keep your visits with your dentist so that when the time comes, they will know when the filling needs to be repaired or replaced. The tooth will be assessed at the time of replacement and you may find that the dentist may use the same or maybe a new better filling option.

A filling falls out for many reasons. The key to staying out of pain and lessening the damage that can occur from a filling falling out is to take care of the tooth and get into the dentist as soon as possible.

If it is at night, on the weekend, if you are on vacation, or just in between paychecks, make sure that as soon as you can get into the dentist that you do.

Sometimes getting into the dentist right away is not always practical and easy. You may have to wait for a variety of reasons. The replacement of the filling should be a very high priority. Because, if you wait, the tooth that was holding that filling may break, and then there will be more extensive dental repair work that would have to happen for the repair of the tooth.

It is a good idea to have some dental first aid kit available in the case that you cannot get to the dentist right away. You can make this kit yourself and just have it around the house, or if you go on a trip or camping, take it with you, in case of an emergency or filling falling out. Here is what should be in that emergency kit.

Soft dental or orthodontic wax
Dental floss
Tempanol or Cavit, which is a temporary filling material
Olive of cloves (eugenol)
Cotton pellets
Small tweezers
Rubber gloves
Bottle of water
Small bottle of antiseptic mouthwash

With these items, in the case that a filling falls out and you cannot get to the dentist right away, you will be able to temporarily resolve the open hole. The air or particles of food and saliva that may go into the hole are the problems that would cause more pain. This way the pain will also be minimal. It is also a good idea to have a little pain reliever, just over the counter stuff around to help with the pain.

Remember to wear gloves and try to keep the area as clean as possible around your mouth. A good mouth rinse is good for cleaning out the mouth before trying to fix the hole. Softly brush the teeth around the broken tooth, and then rinse with warm water and salt.

Now it is ok to use a small amount of the Tempanol or Cavit, as a temporary filling. Simply place a small amount of the filling material into the hole in the tooth. Use something flat like a dental tool, Popsicle tooth, or something similar to pack the filling material into the tooth. Bite down on the material to try to pack it in.
Now try to remove any access of the material so not to irritate the other teeth or gums. Let this completely dry before you eat or drink anything.

The soft wax can also be used in a similar manner. However this may not be a solution for more than a very short amount of time.

Once you have completed this, you may be able to wait a couple days to get into your dentist and at least have a temporary filling put in. However, keep in mind that a temporary filling is just that, temporary. Be sure to make an appointment with your dentist to get in for a complete repair as soon as you can.