White fillings, also known as tooth colored fillings, are most often made of a composite resin or porcelain. Biocompatible and nontoxic, white fillings do not off-gas like metal alternatives and are actually much safer for both your teeth and your body. In fact, a recently released document shows that the FDA approached the Department of Health and Human Services over five years ago to request warnings be given to pregnant women and children prior to having metal fillings placed. The HHS declined to require dentists to provide this warning due to cost concerns, but did not refute the safety risks associated with metal fillings.
Metal fillings are unsightly. They are also able to damage teeth, come loose and fall out, and allow potentially dangerous substances to leak into the body. By contrast, white fillings protect teeth, cannot fall out, and do not contain any materials that the FDA believes pregnant women and children should be warned about. Cedar Rapids dentist Dr. Blaine McLaughlin doesn’t believe any one should be exposed to these risks and has, as such, decided to only offer tooth colored fillings to our patients.
If you have metal fillings you would like to replace with a safer and more aesthetically pleasing alternative, please contact Dental Touch Associates to schedule an appointment today. Located in Marion, we welcome patients from Cedar Rapids and all surrounding areas of Iowa.