07
Jul
Should You Replace Your Amalgam Fillings with Composite Resin?
For many years, silver amalgam fillings were the go-to treatment for cavities. In recent times, more dentists are turning to composite resin fillings for treating decay due to safety and esthetic reasons. If you currently have silver amalgam fillings, you may be wondering if you should have them replaced with composite resin. An exam and consultation with Dr. Glenn MacFarlane from The Center for Holistic Dental Medicine, Red Bank, New Jersey, can help you make a knowledgeable decision.
What’s Wrong with Amalgam Fillings?
The metal composition and mercury content of amalgam fillings can pose a health risk to some people. In addition to silver, amalgam fillings contain nickel, tin, mercury, and other metals, which could trigger reactions in people with metal allergies. You may also be concerned about having mercury in your mouth, seeing that it’s a potentially harmful substance.
In contrast, BPA-Free composite resin fillings are composed of an acrylic resin material that is safe for your teeth and poses no risk to your health. Composite fillings come with additional benefits as well:
- Composite resin is a resilient material that will give you years of quality use in a filling. This same resin can be used to repair minor chips or cracks in your teeth.
- Composite fillings are tooth-colored and can be matched to the shade of your natural teeth, making them less noticeable when you smile.
- Composite resin bonds well with your tooth enamel and can strengthen teeth that cavities have weakened.
- Composite fillings require less drilling, which means you retain more of your natural tooth structure when treating cavities.
Should You Replace Amalgam Fillings?
Most dental fillings need replacement after some time due to wear and tear. If your amalgam fillings are relatively new and are functioning properly, you may want to wait to have them replaced. Dr. Glenn MacFarlane will evaluate your situation and recommend the best time for amalgam removal. If your silver fillings are old, fractured, damaged, or deteriorating and no longer providing the protection you need, we recommend replacing them right away to reduce the risk of future decay.
Call Our Office for More Information
New Patients: (732) 517-7785 | Existing Patients:
(732) 530-4020 Request an Appointment
If you wish to remove your amalgam fillings for esthetic, health, or functional reasons, talk to Dr. Glenn MacFarlane about our SMART amalgam removal process. We’ll discuss how these fillings will be removed so you’ll know what to expect and answer any questions you may have concerning amalgam removal risks. Working with an experienced dentist for amalgam removal ensures the work is done safely and effectively. Once these fillings have been removed, Dr. MacFarlane will replace them with BPA-Free composite resin fillings to protect your teeth against future decay.
Amalgam Removal Services Near Me
At The Center for Holistic Dental Medicine, your oral health is important to us. That’s why we offer modern dentistry procedures, like amalgam removal, that can improve the health and quality of your teeth. To learn more about our amalgam removal process and how it can benefit you, contact Dr. Glenn MacFarlane who holds a certification as a SMART dentist through the IAOMT. See this attached link about the SMART process. https://iaomt.org/resources/safe-removal-amalgam-fillings/?cn-reloaded=1. Call (732) 517-7785 to schedule an appointment.
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Glenn MacFarlane, DMD, is
dedicated to all patients through every step of their dental health journey. He attended Seton Hall Prep in South
Orange and earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Fairleigh Dickinson University in
Madison and a Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, Newark, in
1985. Dr. MacFarlane “DocSmile” has been an aesthetic-focused dentist for almost 40 years. He is an expert cosmetic
dentist with extensive training in complete smile restoration, using the latest technology and restorative materials.
He is a member of prestigious organizations, including the American Dental Association, Academy of General Dentistry, American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, Academy of Laser Dentistry, American
Academy of Facial Esthetics, Academy of Comprehensive Esthetics, American Academy of
Implant Dentistry, and American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine. He opened his first dental practice in
Bloomfield in 1987 and Red Bank in 2005.
For over 20 years, Dr. MacFarlane proudly took care of all the Miss New Jersey’s and Mrs New Jersey America pageant
contestants. He has lectured worldwide, authored articles for many publications, including newspapers and magazines,
and appeared on many media programs.
