Replacement of Silver Fillings | South Lincoln, NE Dentists

Replacement of Silver Fillings

Should Amalgam Fillings be replaced?

One of the newest trends we see in the community is the worry surrounding amalgam fillings. People are wondering about the replacement of silver fillings. More specifically, the mercury content in silver fillings has many people rushing to their dentist for removal. It seems to make sense, “there is a toxic element in my body; let’s get rid of it!” But, is this really what is right for you and your health? At South Lincoln Family Dentistry, your health is our priority.

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Mercury: The Facts

Most of us have been taught to use extreme caution if a mercury thermometer breaks because of the toxicity. Our bodies have no use for mercury. Amalgam fillings are an alloy, which means they are a combination of metals that, when mixed, give greater strength. Amalgam is typically a mix of these common metals: Silver, Copper, Mercury, and Tin. Mercury is not an essential element that our body requires. Therefore, as a dentist, we recommend that you should avoid Mercury when possible.

Mercury vapor being release from a dental filling. The replacement of silver fillings are a good idea as silver fillings can be harmful to your overall health.

Leaking Mercury: Can that happen?

In short, the answer is yes; your silver fillings can leak Mercury. Mercury vapor is given off from silver fillings. Therefore, Mercury can cause health issues if consumed in a high enough dose. The FDA has stated that a daily intake of .4 micro-grams per kilogram of body weight is safe. It has been determined that the amount of mercury vapor released from an amalgam filling is significantly below the maximum amount set by the FDA.

There are not currently any published studies showing how much mercury can be absorbed before adverse effects are shown. However, the WHO and the American Dental Association have deemed silver fillings as safe to continue to be used.

The Big Question: Should I replace my amalgam fillings?

In short, probably not. A tooth with a filling that is healthy and structurally sounds should be left alone. We believe in treatment that is good for our patients’ overall health, but also the most conservative. Although we are mercury-free dentists in Lincoln, NE, we still believe that a structurally sound amalgam should be left alone until there is a cause for concern. Every time we work on a tooth, it causes stress to the tooth. Ultimately, this can put you at higher risk for needing more extensive dental treatment. However, if the structural integrity of your tooth is in danger, we advise replacing the filling or covering the tooth with a crown (cap) to add strength.

Before and after of the replacement of silver fillings. Not only does a white, tooth-colored filling look more aesthetically pleasing, the benefits of removing a mercury filling are significant.

We have had patients come in and request to have all of their silver fillings replaced. Ultimately, we will respect a patient’s desire for a healthier, more aesthetically pleasing filling option. We will gladly remove amalgam fillings if that is what our patient would like. Our dentists are confident that they can provide a better cosmetic dentistry solution that will look great and be a healthier option for your tooth.

Replacement of Silver Fillings:
This Images Demonstrates Amalgam fillings that need replacement due to defects (see the arrows)

The arrows indicate areas where the amalgam has defects. There are poor margins and chips that compromise the integrity. You should consider the replacement of these amalgam fillings.

Replacement of silver fillings are necessary on this images because they edges of the filling have separated from the tooth. This can cause bacteria to enter eventually causing more problems.

Mercury-Free Dentists:

Why we don’t use amalgam fillings in our office and the replacement of silver fillings is a good idea.

One of the biggest differences between amalgam fillings and composite fillings is the bond that they have with the tooth. Amalgam does not bond to the tooth. Because there is no bond, that means that it does not add any additional strength to a tooth that decay has already weakened. After the removal of a cavity, in order for a silver filling to fit properly, we must remove healthy tooth structure. Because of the placement of amalgam within the tooth, and its tendency to expand and contract with changes in temperature, fractures, and cracks are extremely common.

Image of a tooth that had replacement of silver fillings. This filling is aesthetically pleasing and has a nice, white tooth-colored filling.

Composite fillings are the restorative option of choice in our office. We choose to use composite, white fillings instead of silver because we believe it is a better option for all of our patients. In addition to white fillings being aesthetically pleasing, composite fillings also bond directly to the surface of the tooth. Because of this bond, it means added strength with better margins. Ultimately, the removal of less tooth structure also means a flawless appearance. Also, a direct bond to the tooth means that only the decay must be removed before the placement of the filling. So, this ensures that the bulk of the healthy tooth structure stays intact. In addition, composite material does not react to temperature changes within the mouth, unlike amalgam. Ultimately, this means it will not expand and contract leading to fractures and cracks. When done correctly by one of our dentists in Lincoln, NE, composite fillings can easily outlast amalgam fillings.

Frequently Asked Questions…

Dental Fillings

When should Mercury fillings be replaced?

When there are poor margins and chips that compromise the integrity, you should consider the replacement of your silver fillings.

Do Mercury fillings need to be replaced?

In short, probably not. A tooth with a filling that is healthy and structurally sound, should be left alone. We believe in treatment that is good for our patients’ overall health, but also the most conservative. Although we are Mercury-free dentists in Lincoln, NE, we still believe that a structurally sound amalgam filling should be left alone until there is a cause for concern.

Should Silver fillings be removed?

We have had patients come in and request to have all of their silver fillings replaced. Ultimately, we will respect a patient’s desire for a healthier, more aesthetically pleasing filling option.

We will gladly remove amalgam fillings should you so choose. Our dentists in Lincoln, NE are confident that they can provide a better cosmetic dentistry solution that will look great and be a healthier option for your tooth.