A filling is used to treat a cavity caused by tooth decay. There are two types of fillings: amalgam and composite. Silver/amalgam fillings were more common in the past, but recent research suggests that they may do long-term damage to your health. As a result, most dentists and patients today prefer to treat cavities with composite fillings. Rather than metals, this option is made of a mixture of smooth glass and plastic particles and can be blended to match the shade of the surrounding teeth. Keep reading to learn more about the long-term effects of silver fillings and why replacing them for composite may make sense for you.
Side Effects of Amalgam
Dental amalgam, the substance used for a silver filling, is composed of a mixture of metals – including mercury. While it has been deemed “safe” by the American Dental Association, a 2016 study found that people who had more than eight silver fillings in their mouths were at an increased risk for having mercury in their blood.
The use of dental amalgam has also been linked to several diseases, including:
- Alzheimer’s Disease
- Multiple sclerosis
- Other neurological diseases
Furthermore, vapors released during the filling placement can have adverse effects on a number of internal organs including the kidneys and brain.
Replacing silver fillings with a non-metal alternative can be done safely and may improve health outcomes over the long-term by removing mercury from the body.
Multiple Benefits of Tooth-Colored Fillings
Tooth-colored fillings offer a number of benefits, including:
- Can be customized to match the precise shade of the surrounding tooth enamel, so they blend beautifully with your smile
- Composite resin is less sensitive to heat and cold than amalgam, which means it does not expand or contract quite as much as silver fillings – making it gentler on the surrounding tooth enamel
- Eliminates the risk of mercury exposure
- Can last as long or even longer than silver fillings
Talk to your dentist about having amalgam replaced with a tooth-colored filling, especially if you have multiple existing cavities. Doing so is a wise decision for your long-term health as well as the strength and beauty of your smile!
Meet the Practice
Denton Dental Center offers patients of all ages a range of high-quality dental services. Led by Dr. Todd Balington, this team of professionals have decades of combined experience to help you achieve long-term oral health. They can work with patients to evaluate whether silver fillings need to be replaced and then remove them safely and efficiently. To learn more about this option, do not hesitate to reach out to Denton Dental Center by phone at (940) 383-3300.