Previously, your dentist could only fill your cavities with unattractive metal alloys of silver and mercury. Everybody has a story regarding these noticeable and unsightly fillings falling out while eating or speaking. However, composite resin restorations allow for better conservation of tooth structure, are tooth-coloured and therefore more pleasing to the eye, and provide exceptional strength. Amalgam Replacement Potential complications Pain – when a filling is done close to the nerve of a tooth Allergy – rare, but the tooth may be very sore for a few weeks Leakage problems – always occurs after 1-2 years of filling placement. This may result in decays under the fillings. The material generally shrinks about 5% once it is placed in the cavity. Debonding – filling may come off a tooth if during placement the tooth cannot be kept dry. Discoloration – very common if someone drinks tea or coffee regularly. The material is some what porous microscopically. Wear – composite resin is not very resistant to chewing. It will wear down over time depends on how heavy the person chews, bites, or grinds at night. Gum disease – occurs when dentist does not use matrix properly to create good contact points.
