There are many options for dental materials thanks to all the advances in dental materials and techniques in the last few decades. We now have ceramics and polymer compounds that look more like our natural teeth.
Just because things are new, however, doesn’t mean that the old materials are no good. Tradition materials such as gold, base metal alloys and dental amalgam still have their place because of the strength and durability they have proven to have over the years.
Dental amalgam, which has been used for over a century, is the most thoroughly researched and tested restorative material of all those in use. It is durable, easy to use, highly resistant to wear and relatively inexpensive when compared to other materials. For those reasons, it remains a valued treatment option for dentists and their patients.
Dental amalgam is a stable alloy made by combining elemental mercury, silver, tin, copper and other metallic elements. Although dental amalgam continues to be a safe, commonly used restorative material, some concern has been raised because of its mercury content. The mercury in amalgam combines with other metals to render it stable and safe for use in filling teeth.
Even though questions have come up about the safety of dental amalgam relating to its mercury content, the major U.S. and international scientific and health bodies, including the National Institutes of Health, the U.S. Public Health Service, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Food and Drug Administration and the World Health Organization, have been satisfied that dental amalgam is a safe, reliable and effective restorative material.
Amalgum fillings are the best in the back on the molars where chewing loads are the highest because they can withstand it. They are also a great choice in an area that is difficult to keep dry. Amalgum is biocompatible, most patients tolerate it well with rare instances of allergic reaction.
There are some disadvantages of amalgam. Many patients experience short-term sensitivity to temperatures, which happens often with composite fillings too. The biggest downside is that amalgum looks like metal. It is not very pretty in areas of the mouth that show, including the front teeth or the back that si seen when people talk or laugh. Amalgum fillings sometimes require a larger prep area because it is held in the tooth mechanically.
Composite fillings are made of glass or quartz crystals in a a resin medium that produces a filling that looks like natural teeth. They are sometimes called filled resins. They are very durable and resistant to fracture. Less tooth structure is removed when preparing the tooth because it is “bonded” or glued into the cavity, which can mean a smaller filling than if using amalgum. Cavity preps for composite must be kept very dry and clean while being placed. The downside is that it isn’t as durable as amalgum, and it can’t withstand as much chewing pressure. Also Composite will stain and discolor over time.
What’s the Right dental filling for Me?
There are many things that influence choice of dental materials including: durability, longevity and cost. Also, the patient’s oral and general health, the components used in the filling material; where and how the filling is placed; the chewing load that the tooth will have to bear; and the length and number of visits needed to prepare and adjust the restored tooth.
To help you better understand what’s available counsel with Dr. Baldwin and voice your concerns, and decide before your treatment begins so that you are confident with the decision being made.
If my tooth doesn’t hurt and my filling is still in place, why would the fillings need to be replaced?
There are many factors that cause fillings to wear or chip they include: chewing, grinding or clenching. Although you may not be able to tell that your filling is wearing down, your dentist can identify weaknesses during a regular check-up.
If there is a defect between the tooth enamel and the restoration, food particles and decay-causing bacteria can work their way under the restoration. You then run the risk of developing recurrent decay in that tooth. Decay that is left untreated can progress to infect the pulp and may cause an abscess which would need root canal therapy.
If the restoration is large or the recurrent decay is extensive, there may not be enough tooth structure remaining to support a replacement filling. In this case, your dentist may need to replace the filling with a crown.
Are dental amalgams safe?
Yes. Dental amalgam has been used in tooth restorations worldwide for more than 100 years. All studies have failed to link amalgam restorations to any medical disorder. Amalgam is still a safe restorative material for dental patients.
Is it possible to have an allergic reaction to amalgam?
A very small number of people are allergic to one or more of the metals used in amalgam fillings. In these instances, the filling may trigger a localized reaction that produces symptoms similar to a skin allergy. Most of the patients who have this reaction to amalgam have a medical or family history of allergy to metals. There are other options for Dental filling material in these instances.
Are there fillings materials that match tooth color?
Yes. Composite resins are tooth-colored. They are plastic materials (made of glass and resin) that are used both as fillings and to repair defects in the teeth. Because they are tooth-colored, it is difficult to distinguish them from your natural teeth. Composites are most often used on the front teeth where a natural appearance is very important, but they can be used on the back teeth as well depending on the location and patient preference. Composite resins usually cost more than amalgam fillings.
