Although today most dentists prefer to use tooth-colored composite resin to fill cavities, that hasn’t always been the case. In the past, before certain developments in available materials and techniques, they relied on metal amalgam restorations to address injured teeth.
Because these repairs are so resilient, many people today still have metal dental work in place and wonder if it should be replaced with a more modern version. Continue reading to learn more about it so you can make an informed decision regarding your dental health!
What Materials Are Used for Amalgam Fillings?
Before tooth-colored fillings became the norm, dentists used metallic mixtures of metal like silver, tin, or gold. However, Mercury was often included as a binding agent to help the material be more easily shaped and pressed into cavities before hardening, and comprised about 50% of the compound.
This resulted in durable dental work that could withstand the frequent pressure of biting and chewing to safeguard your smile.
What are the Risks of Amalgam Fillings?
Although amalgam restorations can be incredibly long-lasting, more recent research has established a relationship between dental fillings and mercury levels in your body. Although there’s not much risk of orally ingesting enough of this substance to be toxic, it also releases a small amount of vapor that can be harmful to certain patients when inhaled.
For example, if you’re pregnant or nursing, getting amalgam fillings can result in high spikes of mercury exposure to both you and your baby. Also, mercury vapors can cause neurological disruptions in children who are six years old or younger. Others who are sensitive to mercury or other metals, or who have kidney dysfunction or other neurological impairments, are also at an increased risk of developing adverse effects.
Furthermore, metal conducts temperature, and can carry hot and cold sensations into the tender roots in your teeth. This can cause sensitivity or pain that doesn’t occur with tooth-colored composite resin.
Should I Replace My Amalgam Fillings?
Before replacing an amalgam filling, you must consult your dentist to ensure it’s the best option for your oral health. If your current restoration is still in good condition and isn’t contributing to any additional health concerns, they might not recommend taking it out. Removal sometimes results in loss of additional enamel that might otherwise have been preserved.
However, if your metallic repair detracts from your appearance or contributes to sensitivity, it may be worth removing it and rebuilding the structure of your tooth with composite resin.
Your dentist will examine your mouth and recommend an appropriate treatment plan based on your unique circumstances!
About the Practice
At Distinctive Dentistry by Mullens & Nguyen, families benefit from a dental team dedicated to helping them build and maintain happy, healthy smiles. Dr. Mullens, Dr. Nguyen, and Dr. Petrie collaborate to provide a complete array of services to people of all ages under one roof. They take the time to get to know your individual concerns and goals, then customize treatment plans to meet them. Then, they combine a caring approach with advanced technology to deliver comfortable, accurate results meant to last. If you’re worried about an outdated filling, you can request an appointment on the website or call (904) 399-3163.