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Dental fillings are the most common treatment dentists use to repair damaged or decayed teeth. Here at Trillium Smile Dentistry, we offer our patients beautiful white composite fillings that blend in perfectly with the rest of their smile. However, some patients worry that these fillings may have hidden dangers. Today, we will discuss the safety of composite fillings and discover why dentists consider them completely safe to use.

What are Composite Fillings Made Of?

Composite tooth fillings are also known as white dental fillings. They are made of a mixture of plastic and resin that binds to your natural tooth structure. This gives these fillings excellent durability and allows your dentist to match their colouring to that of your teeth, helping disguise the restoration.

What is Bisphenol A (BPA) and Why Can it Cause Problems?

Bisphenol A is a chemical compound also known as BPA. Adding this compound to plastics makes that plastic more flexible. However, the compound can leak out of the plastic when it is exposed to very high temperatures. When this happens, it can disrupt hormone production and cause a variety of serious health problems. Many companies are now removing BPA from their products, especially for products targeted at children.

Why Is BPA Used in Composite Fillings?

The increased flexibility that BPA offers makes dental fillings much more durable and long-lasting. With this compound in the mix, the filling can flex and shift to accommodate changes in temperature or biting pressure. This allows it to withstand many of the typical forces exerted on it while it is in your mouth. Removing BPA from the resin composite used to make these fillings would make them much more brittle and prone to breaking.

Should You Replace Your Composite Fillings?

According to current research, BPA is only harmful in large doses. The amount of BPA that you are exposed to by your fillings is very small and falls well below the maximum safe amount recommended by Health Canada. If your fillings are intact and there is no tooth decay present around or underneath them, most dentists recommend leaving them in place.

If you need new fillings or are very uncomfortable with keeping your resin composite fillings in your mouth, there are BPA-free dental filling options available. For example, glass ionomer fillings do not contain this compound and offer similarly impressive aesthetics. Talk to your dentist about your options to determine the right course of action for you.

Get Safe Composite Fillings from the Experts at Trillium Smile Dentistry

Composite dental fillings are safe to use, but you can always discuss your concerns with your dentist if you are still feeling apprehensive about getting one. Contact Trillium Smile Dentistry today to book a dental exam, find out whether you need fillings, and talk to our staff about your dental needs. Whether you are wondering about the safety of dental fillings or how long to wait to eat after a composite filling, Trillium Smile Dentistry will be happy to answer all your questions and provide you with the expert dental treatment you deserve.

Also Read: Things You Should Know Before Getting a Dental Filling