Dental fillings are used to restore a tooth that has decay in it. Dental fillings can be made from a variety of materials, but most commonly are silver amalgam and composite resin. Some composite resins (white fillings) today often contain the endocrine-disrupting chemical bisphenol A (BPA). This can be concerning as they are used in fillings for kids as well. The problem with BPA is its potential effect on the way a child’s reproductive system and brain development.
BPA exposure is linked to the following health conditions:
– Early puberty
– Metabolic disorders
– Obesity
– Diabetes
– Heart disease
– Infertility
– Thyroid dysfunction
– Certain cancers
The thing to remember is that in most cases, the body is capable of excreting this chemical, but since people are exposed to it so much every day that it’s hard to get rid of it completely. It’s also a fat-soluble compound which means it can build up in your body’s fatty tissues. That being said, the goal is to minimize how much exposure we have to BPA and certainly, not all composites contain BPA!
So what happens when BPA is released from composite “white” fillings? As we mentioned, the potential physical and neurological problems during early developmental stages may affect children. But researchers have suggested that the amount actually released is negligible and could even be lowered by implementing certain chairside practices. At Valley View Dental, we strive to use composite resins that are BPA-free.
When you come in for a dental filling to fix a tooth that has mild to moderate tooth decay, we use composite fillings. We restore the affected tooth by removing decay and filling the cavity. We can also fix a tooth that has minor fractures or chips in the enamel with a dental filling.
Dental fillings help restore the tooth to its original structure and function so that you can smile again with confidence! Give us a call today to schedule your next dental visit in Romeoville, Naperville, or Montgomery, Illinois. Call today!