Time to Say Goodbye to Silver Fillings?

For decades, the most common material used to fill cavities was a material known as dental amalgam. You might know amalgam as silver fillings. In the last few years, however, many dentists, including Dr. Korous, have made a shift away from using dental amalgam material to using resin or composite fillings. Why the change?

What Is Dental Amalgam?

Dental amalgam is a material that is made up of a combination of several types of metal including silver, tin, mercury, and copper.

Why Are Dentists Shifting Away from Dental Amalgam?

There are several reasons why some dentists are shifting away from using dental amalgam or silver fillings, such as:

Aesthetics. Dental amalgam is silver in color, which makes it very detectable in the mouth. Some individuals are very self-conscious about their dental fillings being so noticeable, and as a result, hide their smile or their mouth when they talk. Instead of using noticeable silver amalgam, Millennium Smiles uses tooth-colored resins or composite materials for fillings that blend with the tooth enamel, making fillings virtually undetectable in the mouth and smile.

Function. Another reason that dentists are choosing to move away from amalgam fillings is that amalgam does not form a tight bond with tooth enamel. Without a tight bond, decay-causing bacteria can get under the filling, and over time, leads to further damage below the restoration. This leaves you at risk for more cavities, pain, root canals and even tooth loss.

In contrast, more modern restoration materials like those used by Millennium Smiles can bond tightly to the tooth enamel, sealing out bacteria and protecting your oral and overall health.

Potential Health Risks. From the very beginning of their use, there has been a concern over the using dental amalgam material to fill the cavities. This concern is because they contain mercury, a toxic substance that has connections to the development of chronic and acute illnesses that affect the nervous, digestive and immune systems, lungs, and kidneys. The concern is so significant that many countries are banning the use of mercury in dental restorations.

Should I Replace My Dental Amalgam Fillings?

Replacing your dental amalgam fillings is a very personal decision, but the first thing Dr. Korous suggests is that you have your fillings checked to determine if they are broken, fractured, leaking or have any other defect. If you have dental fillings that are not in good condition, we do suggest that you have them removed and replaced with more modern restoration materials. Some studies suggest that having eight or more amalgam fillings is detrimental to your health.

Want to learn more about modern dentistry, our superior technology and 3D imaging, modern filling materials, or to have your silver amalgam fillings replaced? Call Millennium Smiles today at 972-87-4899 to schedule your appointment.