Is There a Better Material for Cavity Fillings on the Horizon?

For many years, dentists primarily used silver amalgam for fillings. Although this material was quite strong, it contained mercury, which was not healthy for the environment. As a result, dental technology moved away from silver amalgam, and many dentists began using a composite material to fill teeth. Although the composite material doesn’t contain mercury, it has other disadvantages: namely, that it has to be replaced more often in people who have a tendency to have more cavities, and the bonding agent used to attach the composite material to the tooth means that the filling process itself is more vulnerable.

Recently, developers in search of a better tooth filling material have focused their research efforts on glass ionomer. This material contains no mercury and also does not require adhesive to adhere it to the tooth surface. Yet another advantage of glass ionomer is that it actually releases fluoride, which can help prevent cavities. This material also does not require a heat lamp to harden like composite does. This makes glass ionomer much easier to use in more remote locations that may not have electricity, such as some third-world countries.

Although developers still have some work left to do before they come to any solid conclusions about glass ionomer, that research is well underway. It may not be too long before an even better cavity filling material is available to Austin dentists. One thing is certain – dental technology has come a long way since the days of silver amalgam fillings!

Austin Dental Center offers mercury-free, tooth colored fillings – Call for your appointment today! (512) 454-0414

Source: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/releases/290685.php