While many dentists still use amalgam fillings, the mercury content is very low and considered safe by many – some disagree. A dental amalgam consists of tin, silver, mercury, and copper.
The field of dentistry was quick to seek out alternatives to amalgam fillings. Today, composite fillings, made of plastic and glass, are both safe and more aesthetically pleasing, as they are typically tooth colored.
While human beings have been filling decayed teeth with various materials for thousands of years, dentistry became modernized in the 19th century, and amalgam fillings became the norm. Controversy soon emerged because the amount of mercury used in these fillings was found to be toxic and could lead to many illnesses including multiple sclerosis and even cancer.
Should I Replace my Amalgam Fillings?
If you have a mouthful of old amalgam fillings than you would be considered to have a heavier load of mercury than someone with one metal filling, and you may want to consider having them replaced.
You may want to replace broken or cracked fillings with composite. As a matter of fact, teeth that have been cracked and repaired with amalgam have an increased chance of breakage. Since having your fillings replaced with composite material will incur costs that may not be covered by your insurance, this is a matter of your individual risk factors.
When fillings fail or fall out, this is the perfect time to replace them with composite resin fillings and this timing is the FDA’s official recommendation.
Other Important Things to Consider About Mercury Toxicity
As previously mentioned, some people are carrying a heavier load of mercury than others, and if you do have many old amalgam fillings, you should be aware of the symptoms of mercury toxicity:
- Digestive Issues
- Emotional/Mood Swings
- Mental/Cognitive Problems
- Fatigue
- Headaches/Dizziness/Tinnitus
- Cardiac/Chest Pain/Palpitations
- Respiratory Issues
- Muscle Aches/Cramps/Weakness
- Periodontal Disease/Metallic Taste/Bad Breath
- Anemia/Hair Loss/Allergies
What’s so Great About Composite Fillings?
Once introduced in 1995, composite fillings quickly gained popularity and have become a mainstream choice. The appeal of composite fillings is their cosmetic advantage over amalgam. Rather than visible metal that detracts from one’s smile, these are tooth-colored options.
Some of the other benefits of composite fillings include:
- No mercury content
- A stronger tooth due to a more secure bond
- Less tooth removal necessary
Drawbacks of Composite Fillings
While composite fillings are durable and less vulnerable to breakage than amalgam, they are still subject to wear. They also may not be the best option for a very large cavity where an inlay, onlay, or crown may be more appropriate. They are typically more expensive than amalgam fillings but worth the little bit extra for something that you will have in your body for many years.
If you have amalgam fillings and would an evaluation of your oral health and replacement options, contact our Pikesville practice today and schedule your appointment with Dr. Rothschild.