Composite vs. Amalgam Dental Fillings: Choosing the Right Material for Your Smile

At Hidden Ravines Dental in Powell, Ohio, we prioritize your health, safety, and long-term oral wellness. That’s why we use only composite (tooth-colored) fillings—a modern, mercury-free alternative to outdated amalgam fillings.

While amalgam fillings are still permitted in the United States, they have been banned in the European Union due to health concerns. In fact, most dental schools no longer teach the use of amalgam, and many dental practices have phased it out completely. At Hidden Ravines Dental, our composite fillings are free of BPA, Bis-GMA, mercury, metals, and other potentially harmful materials.

What Are Composite Fillings?

Composite fillings, also known as tooth-colored fillings, are made from a resin material blended with powdered glass. They are designed to match the natural color of your teeth, making them a highly aesthetic and durable option for restoring decayed or damaged teeth.

Benefits of Composite Fillings Over Amalgam

1. Natural Appearance

Composite fillings blend seamlessly with your existing teeth, making them ideal for visible areas like the front teeth. They’re also used in cosmetic dentistry to repair chips, close gaps, or reshape teeth.

2. Tooth Preservation

Unlike amalgam, composite material bonds directly to the tooth, reinforcing its structure. This allows dentists to remove less healthy tooth material, preserving more of your natural tooth.

3. Reduced Sensitivity

Composite fillings are less sensitive to temperature changes, reducing the risk of discomfort from hot or cold foods. Amalgam can expand and contract with temperature, which may lead to cracks or fractures in the tooth over time.

4. Mercury-Free and Biocompatible

Concerned about mercury exposure? You’re not alone. Composite fillings are 100% mercury-free, offering peace of mind for health-conscious patients.

5. Durability and Longevity

With advancements in dental materials, modern composite fillings are strong, long-lasting, and able to withstand the pressures of daily chewing, making them suitable for both front and back teeth.

6. Lower Risk of Tooth Fracture

Teeth restored with amalgam fillings are more likely to fracture over time, often leading to the need for crowns, root canals, or even extractions. Composite restorations minimize this risk by supporting the remaining tooth structure.

7. Conservative Treatment

Amalgam requires dentists to remove more of the healthy tooth to “lock in” the material. Composite fillings require less invasive preparation, resulting in stronger, longer-lasting teeth.

Looking for Composite Dental Fillings in Powell, Ohio?

At Hidden Ravines Dental, our team—Dr. Janet Wolery, Dr. Kelli Ehemann, and caring staff—are proud to provide safe, modern, and mercury-free dental fillings for families in Powell, Dublin, Lewis Center, and the surrounding Central Ohio area.

Call us today at (740) 369-1953 to schedule your appointment or learn more about the benefits of composite fillings.