There has been a lot of hype over recent years concerning the safety of mercury dental fillings (commonly known as silver or amalgam fillings) but is it justified? Should we be steering clear of amalgam fillings at all costs? Our No Gaps Dentist explains …
For those of you who may not know much about amalgam, let’s first look at what these dental fillings are composed of.
What are mercury dental fillings?
These types of dental fillings have been used for more than 150 years to fill tooth cavities caused by tooth decay. They contain powdered silver, copper, tin and zinc which are combined with liquid metallic mercury – also known as quicksilver.
These components are all mixed together to form a hard, stable material which has proved popular over the years because of its durability and ability to resist wear. Not only is it strong, but it’s relatively inexpensive compared to other materials.
It’s particularly effective when used to restore molars – the teeth at the back of your mouth which are used to chew your food. This is because of its ability to withstand high chewing loads.
So what’s all the fuss about?
Mercury is a natural substance which is found in the water, in the soil, and in the air- and, as you now know, it’s also found in dental amalgam fillings!
Dentists have been disagreeing over the safety of amalgam or silver fillings since the 1800s. The concern lies in the fact that elemental mercury is contained in the amalgam filling material. Research has shown that high exposure to mercury can cause health risks in humans, notably brain damage and kidney disease. Much of the controversy hinges on determining the level of mercury that is found in our bodies from amalgam fillings.
Dental amalgam does contain trace amounts of mercury, but scientific evidence gathered over the decades has failed to prove any association between amalgam fillings and symptoms of mercury poisoning in any age; although a small percentage of people have suffered from an allergic reaction to these types of dental fillings.
The ADA Federal Council released a policy statement in November 2010 which concluded that dental amalgam should still be available as a dental restorative material However, research continues to expand the knowledge about any potential harmful effects from amalgam fillings on certain groups of the population, including pregnant and breastfeeding women, and young children below the age of six.
In line with most other dentists, we share the view that there is no need to remove amalgam fillings and replace them with something else, unless there is a clear risk involved, such as hypersensitivity. Removing amalgam fillings poses a risk of increased exposure to mercury, but again, no-one can agree on how much of a threat it poses.
If you want to have your mercury dental fillings replaced, then we recommend you ask your dentist to use a rubber dam which helps prevent any particles of mercury being swallowed.
Dental fillings, your way
Here at No Gaps, our dentists will recommend the best type of dental fillings for you based on where the tooth is located in the mouth, the extent of the damage, and aesthetics.
While we do provide amalgam fillings for large or deep cavities, if you have concerns regarding the toxicity of mercury, then we’re happy to use composite fillings. In some circumstances where a tooth is badly damaged, we may suggest using a porcelain crown as a restorative method instead.
What are composite fillings?
Composite fillings, also known as white fillings, are widely used as an alternative to mercury dental fillings. They are made from a mixture of plastic resin and finely ground glass particles. Because they are tooth coloured, they can be matched to the shade of your teeth for a seamless smile – making them a preferred choice for front teeth or more visible areas of a tooth.
Similar to having an amalgam filling, the tooth decay must first be removed by the dentist. The space is then thoroughly cleaned and kept dry so that the composite filling can be placed. The cavity is filled using layers of composite material. Each layer is ‘cured’ or hardened using a special light. Once the layer is complete, the dentist shapes the composite material, trims of any excess, and polishes the final restoration.
Composite fillings will not last forever and will eventually need to be replaced. They are, however, almost as strong as mercury dental fillings and will give you a long-lasting beautiful smile.
Reasons for composite fillings
Composite fillings are more versatile than amalgam fillings and can be used for:
- Decayed teeth
- Chipped teeth
- Cracked or broken teeth
- Closing small spaces between teeth
- Changing the shape of irregular teeth
- Worn teeth
So what are the safest dental fillings?
Of course, the safest dental fillings are not to have any at all. The best way to achieve this is by maintaining healthy oral habits. For this reason, we recommend patients visit us for regular six-monthly check-ups. By doing so, any dental issues can be spotted and treated in their early stages before they escalate to a bigger, more costly problem.
If you’re overdue a check-up or think you may need a dental filling, then contact no Gaps Dental on (02) 8007 6727 to make an appointment or book online at your preferred no Gaps Dental Clinic.