Metal amalgam fillings were once the most popular choice to repair cavities. Nowadays, amalgam fillings are far less prevalent for a variety of reasons, including a potential health risk.
If you have amalgam fillings, you may be wondering if you should have them removed and replaced with newer material. The truth is, it's not always a good idea to replace amalgam fillings, but sometimes it's the best way to keep teeth healthy.
Why are Amalgam Fillings a Problem?
Dental amalgam is a metal alloy made with several different metals, including nickel, tin, silver, and mercury. Mercury-containing amalgam has been in use as a dental filler for centuries. In the last few decades, concerns over potential toxicity have caused amalgam to fall out of favor with both dentists and patients.
The mercury content in dental amalgam is the biggest concern. Elemental mercury is a highly toxic metal, and some people claim to have suffered from health problems because of having mercury fillings. Some medical research studies claim that amalgam fillings don’t cause toxic side-effects. Even so, it’s understandable that people might prefer to avoid having amalgam fillings in their mouths.
When amalgam fillings crack or dislocate from the tooth, there is a potential risk of mercury exposure.
Should You Replace Your Fillings?
If you have amalgam fillings that are in good condition—that aren’t worn or chipped or broken—then it’s safe for those fillings to stay where they are. Removing fillings that are in good condition might lead to unnecessary mercury exposure. This risk is due to the removal process requiring the filling be removed in pieces, which could lead to a small amount of exposure.
On the other hand, if you have amalgam fillings that are deteriorating in some way, then it may be time to consider having them removed and replaced with bio-compatible resin. If you need to have a new cavity filled, it’s a good idea to have it filled with a composite resin, rather than amalgam, to avoid concerns over toxicity in the future.
Find Out if Your Fillings Need Attention
One of our experienced staff members can evaluate your amalgam fillings for safety. If you need a new filling, we use tooth-colored bio-compatible resin. Call us today for a consultation.