Dental Fillings: 5 Myths, Facts & Stats
It is estimated that 2.3 billion people worldwide suffer from tooth decay of permanent teeth. Therefore, it is no wonder that dental fillings are the most common dental treatment provided. Does that mean that people are well aware of everything about them?
*Is there a difference between inlays and fillings?
*Can dental lasers be used to remove tooth decay?
#1:Dental fillings repair tooth decay: FACT
Obvious, right? Well, not for the 18% of DentaVox respondents who disagree with this statement. Diving deeper into the statistics, we found out that the lower the education level of survey participants, the larger the share of people who are not aware that dental fillings treat caries.
In fact, to treat a cavity dentists remove the decayed part of the tooth and then fill the previously decayed area with different materials such as metal, composite, and more. Fillings are also used to repair cracked, broken, eroded teeth.
#2:Dental fillings can be lab-made: FACT
Dental laboratories are usually focused on fabricating larger dental restorations such as dental crowns, bridges, or dentures. However, they can sometimes fabricate a restoration that serves as a dental filling but is made of ceramics or zirconia. The majority of DentaVox survey participants (61%) recognize this fact.
Inlays are one example. See how they compare to dental fillings, directly applied by the dentist in the dental office.
#3:The mercury in amalgam fillings is dangerous: SO-SO
Whether or not the mercury in the old amalgam fillings can do any harm is a seriously controversial matter within the dental field. This probably explains the almost equal distribution of answers between respondents who think that the mercury in amalgam fillings is dangerous, and such who disagree or are unsure.
What do the studies show? The amalgam certainly releases small amounts of mercury vapor over time but low-levels of inhaled mercury vapor are considered harmless to most people. The latest release by the U. S. Food and Drug Administration, however, warns certain high-risk groups against mercury-containing amalgam fillings. These include pregnant women or such in a process of getting pregnant, nursing women, children below the age of 6, people with neurological disorders or kidney dysfunction.
#4:It is possible to develop tooth decay under a dental filling: FACT
Most of us probably know this struggle: You get a dental filling on an aching tooth, problem solved… Well, yes but not forever. Months or years later there is a new decay on the same tooth. The majority of DentaVox respondents (61%) have probably experienced or heard of such situations.
There could be a few reasons why a new cavity develops on a treated tooth, the most common of which are: poorly cleaned decayed surface in the first place, or just a completely new tissue infected.
#5:Composite fillings can cause dental problems: MYTH
One myth related to composite fillings states that they might lead to further dental and general health problems, primarily due to the small quantity of Biphenol A (BPA) monomer contained. Health risks caused by composite fillings are perceived by 40% of DentaVox survey participants.
Science disagrees with this statement. The American FDA concluded health concerns regarding composite resins are baseless and do not have substantial evidence.
Which of those myths and facts were you aware of?
Thanks for the article, I love the parsing of myths and facts.
The truth is that dental fillings can last for many years with proper care, and only need to be replaced if they become damaged or decayed. Additionally, advances in dental technology have led to the development of new materials, such as composite resin, that can provide a more natural appearance and may be preferred by some patients.
One of the most common myths surrounding dental fillings is that silver amalgam fillings are dangerous and can lead to health problems. In reality, numerous studies have shown that silver amalgam fillings are safe and effective, and are still used by many dentists today. Other myths include the belief that all fillings need to be replaced every few years or that they can cause sensitivity or discomfort.
As you wrote, One of the most common myths surrounding dental fillings is that silver amalgam fillings are dangerous and can lead to health problems. In reality, numerous studies have shown that silver amalgam fillings are safe and effective, and are still used by many dentists today. Other myths include the belief that all fillings need to be replaced every few years or that they can cause sensitivity or discomfort.
Patients in Nolan Hill can trust in the expertise of their restorative dentist (https://nolanridgedental.ca/restorative-dentistry-services/) to provide the best possible care and advice on the most appropriate filling materials for their individual needs. By dispelling common myths and providing accurate information, patients can make informed decisions about their dental care and achieve optimal oral health.
I couldn't agree more about the importance of preventative dental care. It's not just about solving problems, but also about maintaining a healthy smile. I have been going to family dentist north york for some time now and their approach to oral health care is commendable. Sedation options are a lifesaver for people like me who suffer from dental anxiety. I appreciate their focus on creating a comfortable environment for patients.