What are amalgam fillings?

Filling cavities is nothing new, the earliest filing dates back to nearly 10,000 years ago. The procedure has come a long way in the last 10,000 years. The procedure and actual filling materials have really improved over the years as you can imagine.

If you’ve had a filling in the last 15 to 20 years, you most likely received amalgam fillings. These were the first modern-day fillings, but in recent years they have become less common, being replaced by safer more efficient filling materials. You may be asking, are amalgam fillings still good?

We are going to discuss the downside of traditional amalgam fillings, how they are removed, and some of the newer alternatives that dentists have been using. 

Traditional Amalgam Fillings

Amalgam fillings are an old style of filling that began to be used during the 19th century. These fillings are a blend of copper, tin, silver, and mercury. 

Within 20 years of their introduction, a great deal of concern arose regarding the use of mercury and its ineffectiveness. There were reports of people developing mercury poisoning, cancer, multiple sclerosis and other ailments due to the mercury.  

Regardless of the concerns surrounding amalgam fillings, they are still used today and are commonly referred to as silver fillings. Today’s version still contains mercury, but compared to modern alternative materials, amalgam is a much cheaper option.

Removing Amalgam Fillings

Amalgam fillings are still used today and the modern version comes with very few issues. The FDA and Canadian dental association still recognize these as acceptable fillings. However, many people avoid this type or choose to have old ones removed due to the presence of mercury in the amalgam. 

Getting amalgam fillings implanted is a much easier process than removing them. There are many safety precautions dentists must take to ensure the protection of both the patient and the dental team when removing the filling due to the contents of mercury. Amalgam fillings contain 50% mercury and when these fillings are drilled out they emit mercury vapor that is harmful to those who inhale it.

With the potential exposure to mercury vapors, a training program called the “Safe Mercury Amalgam Technique” or SMART was developed.

The Safe Mercury Amalgam Removal Technique was introduced for dentists to ensure everyone’s safety when amalgam fillings are being removed. Some of the aspects covered in this training are correct procedure room setup, proper patient and dentist PPE coverings, room ventilation standards, sanitization of tools and equipment, and proper disposal of waste. When all this training is combined, a safe environment is created to ensure everyone’s protection against mercury vapors when removing these potentially hazardous fillings.

Replacing the Amalgam Once Removed

Once removed there are several alternatives to amalgam fillings that can be chosen. All modern-day filling materials are safe and mercury free. However, each one comes with its own benefits and downfalls, making some better than others depending on your situation. 

A conversation with your dentist about the best course of action is essential to ensure your teeth’ health. Here is a quick explanation of the commonly used modern filling materials used in dental practices today. 

Composite fillings

Composite fillings are sometimes referred to as plastic or white fillings. These are great for front teeth as they easily blend in with the natural look of the teeth. Usually made up of resin and powdered glass, the dentist will layer the composite and harden it with a special light. Composite fillings are easily installed and will only take one appointment. 

Composites unfortunately are not as strong as traditional amalgam or gold fillings and may need to be replaced down the road. Due to the material, composite fillings may also result in tooth decay recurring. Composite fillings also tend to be a bit more expensive compared to other alternative materials. 

Glass Ionomer fillings

Glass ionomer is relatively new, and there is still research being done on its longevity. However, newer forms of this filling are very strong and great for filling in the middle and front of the mouth. Like composite fillings, these are white and will easily match the colour of the patient’s teeth, they are also easily implanted and take only one visit to complete. They are unfortunately not as strong as gold fillings and can be quite expensive.

Porcelain fillings

Porcelain is the most commonly used ceramic filler used by dentists. The great thing about porcelain is it can be combined with metals to create a strong, long-lasting tooth-coloured filling that can be used anywhere in the mouth. 

With new technology, this type of filling can get done in a single visit. The great thing about these filings is if the tooth is too weak or badly decayed the material is very biocompatible and durable— however, it is more expensive than other filling materials.

Gold

The final type of filling that is used to replace traditional fillings is gold. These are the most expensive of the 4 options, mainly because of the special equipment that is required and the time it takes for a mold of the tooth to be made. 

Gold fillings are quite durable, and last a long time. However, in recent years there has been a steady decline in the use of gold because of the price and the equipment needed to implant these fillings, with fewer and fewer dentists offering it to patients. 

At the end of the day, choosing the best course of action for getting cavities filled comes down to a discussion between you and your dentist, however, it is important to know the options that are available to you. Removing amalgam mercury fillings is always a good idea but ensuring it is done properly and replaced with the right material is vital to a healthy and happy smile. 

Do you have any questions about your fillings or a filings procedure?

For further information, our professionals at Oceana Dental are right around the corner to answer any questions or concerns you may have.