{"id":200,"date":"2019-08-26T19:24:44","date_gmt":"2019-08-26T19:24:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ismiledentalarts.com\/blog\/?p=200"},"modified":"2025-07-02T20:39:13","modified_gmt":"2025-07-02T20:39:13","slug":"how-dental-fillings-have-evolved-over-the-years-to-benefit-you","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ismiledentalarts.com\/blog\/how-dental-fillings-have-evolved-over-the-years-to-benefit-you\/","title":{"rendered":"How Dental Fillings Have Evolved Over the Years to Benefit You"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"tooth-colored<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Did you know that dentistry<\/a>\nis one of the oldest medical professions? That means that it has had plenty of\ntime to evolve and discover the best techniques for treating dental problems,\nincluding cavities. The history of dental fillings is complex, but the practice\nhas evolved enough that modern fillings are painless and blend in with your\nsmile. Let\u2019s take a closer look at the history of fillings. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

In the Beginning <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Researchers found the remains of a man in a cave in Italy\nwith beeswax in his teeth. These remains are about 6000 years old and are\nbelieved to be among the first forms of dental fillings. The first evidence of\nusing gold comes from around 200 A.D. with the ancient Etruscans, who used it\nfor crowns as well as fillings. The ancient Chinese were the first to be\ndocumented using amalgam fillings about 500 years later. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Amalgam Fillings <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Amalgam is a blend of metals, including silver and even\ntrace amounts of mercury, which has caused controversy over the years. Although\nit has been and continues to be used to fill about 75 percent of cavities, some\npatients do not wish to risk getting mercury poisoning. Even though the level\nof mercury in amalgam fillings is less than the average person is exposed to\nevery day, the worry is understandable, especially if you are pregnant or work\nin a place where you are exposed to more mercury than the average person.\nFortunately, these days many dentists offer porcelain or composite fillings,\nwhich are mercury-free and can be color-matched to seamlessly blend in with the\nrest of your smile. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tooth-Colored Fillings and Their Benefits <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Although most dentists offer you the choice between gold,\namalgam, or tooth-colored fillings to treat a cavity, many patients prefer the\nlatter for several reasons, including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n