Fillings

The majority of people are familiar with tooth decay, cavities, and fillings. Cavities affect over 90 percent of the population, and 78 percent of Americans have had at least one cavity by the age of 17. Up until recently most cavities were filled with silver amalgam, but today there are other choices. If you, your child, or another family member needs a filling, your Ankeny, IA, family dentist, Dr. Ericka Peddicord will be happy to discuss the pros and cons of fillings materials.

Filling Facts

Did you know that tin was used as a filling on the battlefield during the Civil War? Metal fillings including silver, gold, and platinum have been in use since the early19th century. Eventually, gold and silver became the most common choices, but finally silver amalgam became the most popular because it cost less than gold, and was a bit more inconspicuous. Even as far back as the Civil War, however, there was concern over silver fillings containing mercury. Amalgam means mixture, and silver amalgam fillings are a mixture of silver, tin, zinc, copper, other metals, and liquid mercury. There is belief among some that mercury leaches from the fillings and can cause health issues. Today dental practices such as Peddicord Family Dental, prefer to use composite resin as the filling material of choice.

Composite Resin

Composite resin fillings consist of acrylic resin–a type of plastic–reinforced with powdered glass. Often referred to as “white” fillings, they have become popular because the color is similar to natural teeth. Initially, composite fillings were mostly used for front teeth because of their aesthetics, and because they were not strong enough for molars. Over the past 10 years considerable improvements have been made. Today composite resin fillings are strong and durable enough for use in front and back teeth.  Dr. Peddicord offers composite resin fillings for health, environmental, and cosmetic reasons. They blend with natural teeth and provide strength, durability, and an insoluble barrier against further decay.

About Your Ankeny Dentist

Dr. Peddicord offers a complete range of preventative, cosmetic, and restorative dental procedures as well as high quality dental prosthetics. Dr. Peddicord can answer your inquiries, and provide the services you need to maintain the health, beauty, and function of your teeth. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Erika Peddicord, please contact us at 515-963-3339. Our Ankeny, IA, office proudly provides general and cosmetic dentistry services to patients from Bondurant, Polk City, Elkhart, Alleman, and Cambridge.