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?
Besides fillings, it's also important to consider preventative care, like regular checkups and professional cleanings, to avoid severe decay and the need for restorative treatments.
It’s clear that dental fillings are essential for restoring teeth affected by decay, but there’s a lot more to oral care than just fillings. Many people are unaware of other dental options, like Mini Implant Dentures, which offer a solution for replacing missing teeth with a more stable and comfortable alternative. These mini implants are smaller than traditional ones, making them a great option for patients who might not have enough bone density for regular implants.