You’ve just heard the words no one loves to hear: “It looks like you have a small cavity.” Your mind might immediately jump to the sound of a drill, but the next question is actually far more important: “What are you going to fill it with?”For decades, the go-to answer was a silvery-gray metal filling.
Today, you have more options than ever, which has led to a major debate about the materials used to restore teeth. The biggest controversy surrounds those traditional “silver” fillings, also known as amalgam, and their main ingredient: mercury.
At Arrow Dental Arts, we believe patient education is the foundation of excellent dental care. You deserve to know what’s going into your body and why. So, let’s break down the science, address the safety concerns, and explain what our Rancho Cucamonga dentists recommend for a healthy, beautiful, and safe smile.
The “Silver” Elephant in the Room: What Are Amalgam Fillings?
Amalgam fillings have been used by dentists for over 150 years. They aren’t actually silver; they are a stable alloy created by mixing elemental mercury (about 50% by weight) with a blend of other metals, including silver, tin, and copper.
Why mercury? The liquid mercury is essential for binding the metal powders together to create a durable, pliable material that can be packed into a cavity, where it quickly hardens into a solid filling. For generations, amalgam was prized for its strength, durability, and low cost. But the presence of mercury has, understandably, raised questions.
The Big Question: Is Mercury in Fillings Safe?
This is the core of the issue. When patients hear “mercury,” they often think of the toxic substance found in thermometers or the environmental warnings about eating certain types of fish. It’s crucial to understand that the mercury used in dental amalgam is elemental mercury, which, when combined with the other metals, forms a chemically stable compound.
So, what does the science say?Major health organizations, including the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the American Dental Association (ADA), have extensively studied amalgam fillings and consider them safe for use in adults and children ages six and above.Here’s the key takeaway from their research: Amalgam fillings do release tiny amounts of mercury vapor, especially when you chew or grind your teeth.
However, numerous studies have concluded that the amount of vapor released is well below the levels that are known to cause adverse health effects.That said, the FDA does recommend that certain high-risk groups avoid getting new amalgam fillings whenever possible. This includes:
- Pregnant women and their developing fetuses.
- Women who are planning to become pregnant.
- Nursing women and their newborns.
- Children, especially those under the age of six.
- People with pre-existing neurological disease or kidney impairment.
- People with a known allergy to mercury or other components of amalgam.
Patient peace of mind is paramount. While amalgam is FDA-approved, our Rancho Cucamonga dentists recommend discussing your complete health history with us so we can choose a material that makes you feel 100% comfortable and confident.
The Modern, Tooth-Colored Alternative: Composite Resin
Today, we have a fantastic alternative that has become the standard of care in modern dentistry: composite resin fillings. These are the “white” or “tooth-colored” fillings that blend seamlessly with your natural smile.Composite resin is a biocompatible, mercury-free material made from a mixture of durable plastic and fine glass particles. At Arrow Dental Arts, this is our preferred material for most restorations, and for good reason.Benefits of Composite Fillings:
- Superior Aesthetics: This is the most obvious benefit. We can perfectly match the shade of the composite to your natural tooth, making the filling virtually invisible.
- Conservative Preparation: To place a composite filling, we only need to remove the decayed portion of the tooth. Amalgam fillings often require the removal of healthy tooth structure to create a “lock” to hold the filling in place. Composite fillings bond directly to the tooth, preserving its natural strength.
- Mercury-Free: For patients concerned about mercury, composite is the clear choice, offering total peace of mind.
- Versatility: Composite resin can be used for everything from small cavities to cosmetic bonding procedures to repair chips or gaps in your front teeth.
What About Removing My Old Silver Fillings?
This is another common question. Many patients with old amalgam fillings wonder if they should have them proactively removed and replaced with composite.Generally, if an old amalgam filling is intact, stable, and shows no signs of decay underneath, the safest approach is often to leave it alone.
The process of drilling out an old amalgam filling can temporarily release a higher level of mercury vapor than simply leaving it in place.However, our Rancho Cucamonga dentists recommend replacing an amalgam filling if:
- The filling is cracked, leaking, or has failed.
- There is new decay around or underneath the filling.
- The patient has a diagnosed and confirmed allergy to one of the metals in the filling.
- The patient chooses to replace it for cosmetic reasons.
If a replacement is necessary, we use meticulous techniques to ensure the old filling is removed safely, minimizing any potential exposure.
The Arrow Dental Arts Philosophy: Your Health, Your Choice
While decades of research support the safety of amalgam, we also believe in embracing modern materials that offer superior benefits. At Arrow Dental Arts, we primarily use tooth-colored composite resins for new fillings. We find they provide the best combination of safety, durability, conservation of tooth structure, and aesthetics.Ultimately, the choice of material is a collaborative decision between you and your dentist.
We are here to provide you with all the information, answer your questions, and help you make a choice that aligns with your health goals and personal preferences.Don’t let questions about fillings keep you from getting the care you need. A small, untreated cavity can grow into a much larger problem requiring a root canal or crown. Contact Arrow Dental Arts today to schedule a consultation. Our team in Rancho Cucamonga is ready to partner with you for a lifetime of healthy smiles.