Should I Replace my Silver Fillings? Here are 5 Considerations
Posted on Thu, Dec 08, 2011 @ 03:56 PM
Metal, or Silver Amalgam fillings have been used by dentists for the past 100 years, and have done a good job repairing and preserving teeth that have been damaged by decay. As our knowledge and general awareness of the health hazards of various materials has evolved, concern has risen as well.
Amalgam is a mix of metals including copper, silver, tin, and mercury. The mercury is included in the blend because its properties are ideal for the filling of cavities in teeth since it combines nicely with the other materials to make the amalgam pliable and therefore easy to manipulate. It is also soft enough to mix up and insert in a tooth, yet will solidify quickly and endure the pounding treatement of chewing quite well. Some of these properties are summarized below:
- It is less costly than other materials
- It is stronger
- It outlasts most composite resins
So, what about the mercury? Is it a risk to your overall health? Is it more dangerous if you have a lot of silver fillings in your mouth? In actuality, the amount of mercury used in your fillings is tiny and studies show that the amount of mercury that escapes your fillings as the amalgum is worn down is less than that which you may typically experience from the environment we live in, or in the food you eat.
The net sum of it is that there is no indication that you should dash out in a panic and have all your silver fillings replaced with newer resin composite ones, at least not from a health risk standpoint.
However, many people are dissatisfied with their metal fillings because they are unattractive and are one more thing preventing them from having a great smile. Certainly this is the case, and typically it is not that expensive to have them swapped out for tooth-colored composite filings. Following are five considerations to bear in mind when thinking about whether you should replace your silver fillings:
- Tooth-colored Composite fillings look better - which is probably one of the best reasons to get silver exchanged for newer fillings
- Leakage - metal fillings are prone to leackage around their perimiter which leads to further tooth decay
- Composites are easier on your teeth because they are softer and do not act as a wedge that can cause teeth to split or fracture, like amalgam fillings can.
- Composites adhere better to your teeth, which helps prevent leaking
- Silver fillings contain mercury - which, as discussed above, is probably the least important reason to do an exchange, but still, less exposure to mercury is a better way to go.
Dr Molinar would be pleased to meet with you to evaluate your fillings and discuss some options relating to replacing them with modern tooth-colored ones.
