If you have a damaged or decayed tooth, then chances are you are in need of composite fillings in Okotoks. At Essential Dentistry, we offer composite fillings to our patients to restore their smiles and ensure that they maintain optimal oral health for years to come. However, some patients have some fears about the safety of composite fillings. In this blog post, we tell you everything you need to know about composite fillings near you so that you feel confident going forward with your dental filling procedure.
What Are Composite Fillings Made Of?
Composite fillings are popular because they can be matched to the exact shade of your tooth, allowing them to blend in seamlessly with your smile. Composite fillings are made of a mixture of resin and plastic. This mixture allows the filling to get its natural colouring while remaining strong and durable.
What is Bisphenol A (BPA), and Why Can it Cause Problems?
Bisphenol A (BPA) is a chemical compound added to plastics that work to improve their flexibility. However, scientists have become increasingly concerned about how stable it is in recent years because they discovered that high temperatures could cause this chemical to leak out of the plastic. If consumed, BPA can disrupt hormone production and lead to health problems. It has been removed from many products due to customer demand and the desire to protect children and infants from danger.
Why is BPA Used in Composite Fillings?
You might be wondering, if BPA is so dangerous, then why is it still used in composite fillings? BPAs are used in a wide variety of products because they can strengthen plastic dramatically. It is common for a dentist in Okotoks to use BPA in composite dental billings because it makes them more durable and allows them to be as flexible as your natural teeth.
Should You Replace Your Composite Dental Fillings?
The amount of BPA used in composite dental fillings is very low and well within the safety margins set by Health Canada. The primary exposure to BPA happens when your dentist places the filling, and this exposure is very short and dissipates quickly. After this, the filling releases virtually no BPA into your system.
Our dentist near you does not recommend replacing a filling that is otherwise in good shape. Not only is it expensive, but replacing a filling can also cause unnecessary damage to your tooth in many cases.
If you are concerned about having a composite dental filling in your mouth, speak to your dentist to determine if they use BPA-free filling materials. While it is possible to replace your filling if you are very uncomfortable, be aware that this is not always the best solution.
Visit Essential Dentistry
If you are interested in learning more about your options for dental fillings and their materials, please do not hesitate to contact our dedicated team of dental professionals at Essential Dentistry. We are happy to address any questions or concerns you may have and provide you with all the information you need to feel safe and comfortable with your dental fillings. Please contact us to book a consultation today!