| Dental 397 Unsightly Fillings |
Is the mercury in amalgam
fillings toxic?
Answer: There is a controversy over
the potential adverse health effects
of silver amalgam fillings, which are
close to 50% mercury. Although
mercury is toxic, it has been thought
that it was not released to the body
during use as a filling material.
Recent research, however, seems to
show that these fillings release a
very small amount of mercury vapor
during chewing. Whether or not this
amount of mercury is harmful to the
body is a subject of controversy.
Most people have some silver
amalgam fillings in their teeth with
no apparent adverse effects. No
harm from the mercury in amalgam
fillings has ever been absolutely
proven. However, it has never been
proved that it is not harmful, either.
Many people are preferring the
mercury-free fillings because of this
health issue.
fillings toxic?
Answer: There is a controversy over
the potential adverse health effects
of silver amalgam fillings, which are
close to 50% mercury. Although
mercury is toxic, it has been thought
that it was not released to the body
during use as a filling material.
Recent research, however, seems to
show that these fillings release a
very small amount of mercury vapor
during chewing. Whether or not this
amount of mercury is harmful to the
body is a subject of controversy.
Most people have some silver
amalgam fillings in their teeth with
no apparent adverse effects. No
harm from the mercury in amalgam
fillings has ever been absolutely
proven. However, it has never been
proved that it is not harmful, either.
Many people are preferring the
mercury-free fillings because of this
health issue.
Unsightly Fillings
Advantages of white fillings:
Since they bond to the tooth, composite fillings restore most of
the original strength of the tooth. Silver weakens the teeth,
making them more susceptible to breaking.
Composite fillings restore the natural appearance of the tooth.
Teeth restored with white fillings are less sensitive to hot and
cold than teeth restored with amalgam, if correct techniques are
used.
Composites are mercury-free. Mercury in the fillings is viewed by
some as being toxic.
Composites require less removal of tooth structure. Especially
with new cavities, the size of the hole made for the filling can be
dramatically smaller with composites.
One caution—the composite fillings can be weakened by
excessive alcohol consumption. If you have a habit of drinking
beverages with high alcohol content (whiskey, etc.) on a daily
basis, you may find the composite fillings deteriorating
prematurely.
Advantages of silver amalgam fillings:
They are generally less expensive. Composite fillings, if they are
done correctly, take about 60% longer, require special expertise
and expensive materials, and are more difficult to place, and so
they cost considerably more than silver.
The proper placement of a white filling requires that the site for
the filling be kept totally isolated from saliva while it is being
placed. In the very back of the mouth, on some patients, it is
difficult to keep the tooth isolated for the duration of the
procedure. This can also be uncomfortable for some patients. A
silver amalgam filling does not require this strict isolation of the
tooth.
The filling by itself is a stronger material, although it weakens the
tooth.
Silver fillings have a longer history of use than mercury free
fillings, thus some feel that they are more tried and tested.
Advantages of white fillings:
Since they bond to the tooth, composite fillings restore most of
the original strength of the tooth. Silver weakens the teeth,
making them more susceptible to breaking.
Composite fillings restore the natural appearance of the tooth.
Teeth restored with white fillings are less sensitive to hot and
cold than teeth restored with amalgam, if correct techniques are
used.
Composites are mercury-free. Mercury in the fillings is viewed by
some as being toxic.
Composites require less removal of tooth structure. Especially
with new cavities, the size of the hole made for the filling can be
dramatically smaller with composites.
One caution—the composite fillings can be weakened by
excessive alcohol consumption. If you have a habit of drinking
beverages with high alcohol content (whiskey, etc.) on a daily
basis, you may find the composite fillings deteriorating
prematurely.
Advantages of silver amalgam fillings:
They are generally less expensive. Composite fillings, if they are
done correctly, take about 60% longer, require special expertise
and expensive materials, and are more difficult to place, and so
they cost considerably more than silver.
The proper placement of a white filling requires that the site for
the filling be kept totally isolated from saliva while it is being
placed. In the very back of the mouth, on some patients, it is
difficult to keep the tooth isolated for the duration of the
procedure. This can also be uncomfortable for some patients. A
silver amalgam filling does not require this strict isolation of the
tooth.
The filling by itself is a stronger material, although it weakens the
tooth.
Silver fillings have a longer history of use than mercury free
fillings, thus some feel that they are more tried and tested.
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