Historically, dentists relied on amalgam restorations to repair decayed or damaged teeth. These metallic mixtures contain various alloys, such as silver, tin, and copper, and often include liquid mercury as a binding agent. Although durable, these materials can sometimes also be problematic or harmful to your dental or overall health.
For example, did you know that a study published by the University of Georgia in 2016 revealed that the mercury content in dental fillings can potentially impact your general health? Continue reading to learn more about it to better understand why many providers today offer tooth-colored solutions instead.
What are Metal Dental Fillings Made From?
Silver restorations, also known as amalgam, were once considered the standard treatment for tooth decay. They are made from powdered metals mixed with liquid mercury to create a pliable putty that could be applied to the tooth, which rapidly hardens and can withstand the pressure of daily biting and chewing.
However, because these materials are not biocompatible, they don’t bond directly with enamel, and require that additional notches or grooves be cut into the structure of your teeth to help anchor them. Not only that, but it’s believed that the included mercury content can sometimes put your health at risk.
What Are the Risks of Amalgam Fillings?
There are several potential longer-term health consequences of having amalgam fillings. For example, the metallic components can easily conduct temperature changes to the roots of your teeth, increasing your sensitivity to hot and cold foods and drinks. They also expand and contract with the changes, which can potentially erode the structure of your tooth over time.
Not only that, but according to the University of Georgia’s study, there’s a relationship between metal dental fillings and a patient’s mercury exposure, which can be toxic. It was discovered that people with more than 8 of these dental repairs had about 150% more mercury in their blood due to regularly breathing in or swallowing microscopic particles from their fillings.
Can I Replace My Fillings with Updated Options?
Overexposure to mercury can potentially cause serious damage to the central nervous system, kidneys, and lungs, and can contribute to symptoms like memory loss, cognitive impairment, and insomnia. If you’re concerned that your dark metal fillings might be harming your general health, you can talk to your dentist about upgrading your restoration.
Today, most dentists use tooth-colored composite resin to provide repairs that can be customized to match your natural enamel for seamless results. This material is also biocompatible, so it bonds directly to your enamel, helping preserve more of your tooth’s natural structure. It’s also FDA-approved, and much less likely than metal to trigger sensitivity or allergies.
If you’re unsure whether you need to replace your amalgam filling with an FDA-approved tooth-colored option, you can learn more by consulting your dentist!
Meet the Team
Patients at D’Andrea and Pantera Family & Cosmetic Dentistry benefit from a team of providers committed to helping them build and maintain happy, healthy smiles. They collaborate to offer a comprehensive menu of services, including tooth-colored fillings, to people of all ages, so you and your family receive the same top-quality care. Their compassionate approach is paired with advanced technology to deliver safe, comfortable treatment results intended to last. You can request an appointment on the website or by calling (203) 288-0951.
