Amalgam Fillings

Repair Your Cavities

Amalgam fillings, also known as silver fillings, have been a popular choice for dental restorations for over a century. They’re a durable and cost-effective option for repairing cavities and restoring damaged teeth. While dental amalgam fillings aren’t used as widely with the advancement of technology and treatments, many patients may still have them.

Our Atlanta dentist breaks down amalgam fillings below. If you need to schedule an appointment with our team, call us today at (404) 524-1981. While we don’t offer amalgam fillings, we do offer composite dental fillings at our dental practice.

What Are Amalgam Fillings?

Amalgam fillings are restorations used to repair cavities, tooth decay, and damaged teeth. Liquid mercury is mixed with other metals to form the amalgam. They consist of a mixture of metals, primarily mercury, silver, tin, and copper. This mixture forms a strong and durable filling material that can withstand the rigors of chewing and lasts for many years.

Composition of Dental Amalgam Fillings

• Mercury (approximately 50%)
• Silver (approximately 22 to 32%)
• Tin (approximately 14%)
• Copper (approximately 8 to 12%)
• Trace amounts of other metals

Amalgam Filling Benefits

There are various benefits to dental amalgam restorations, including:

• Durability: Amalgam fillings are exceptionally durable and can withstand chewing forces for many years, making them a long-lasting option.
• Cost-Effectiveness: They’re often more affordable than alternative dental restorations, making them accessible to a wide range of patients.
• Strength and Load-Bearing Capacity: Amalgam fillings are strong and can bear heavy chewing loads, making them suitable for molars and teeth subjected to significant pressure.
• Longevity: With proper care and maintenance, these fillings can last for decades, providing reliable tooth restoration.
• Ease of Placement: Dentists find it relatively easy to place amalgam fillings, and the procedure is generally quicker than some alternatives.

When comparing amalgam fillings with other dental filling materials such as resin-based composites and glass ionomers, consider factors like durability, tooth structure removal, color matching, and potential chemical exposure. Discussing these options with your dental provider can help you make an informed decision.

Amalgam Filling Disadvantages

Just like other dental treatments, there are certain disadvantages associated with an amalgam restoration, such as:

• Aesthetic Concerns: One of the primary drawbacks of these fillings is their silver color, which is conspicuous in the mouth and may be considered unattractive.
• Expansion and Contraction: Dental amalgam fillings can expand and contract with temperature changes, potentially leading to tooth fractures or leakage over time.
• Allergic Reactions: Some individuals may have allergic reactions or sensitivities to the metals in amalgam fillings, although such cases are rare.
• Environmental Concerns: Dental amalgam fillings contain mercury, which can be harmful to the environment if not disposed of properly. Improperly managed dental amalgam waste can lead to mercury vapor emissions into the air and deposition into water bodies and land.

Placing Amalgam Fillings

Preparation of the Tooth

• Removal of decayed or damaged tooth structure
• Tooth isolation to keep it dry
• Tooth etching and application of bonding agent

Mixing and Placement of Dental Amalgam

• Mixing the dental amalgam material
• Packing the mixture into the prepared cavity

Condensation and Carving

• Properly condensing the amalgam to ensure good adaptation
• Carving and shaping the filling to resemble the natural tooth anatomy

Final Polishing

• Smoothing and polishing the filling to minimize rough edges and enhance comfort

Costs of Dental Amalgam Fillings

Patients can expect to spend between $50 to $150 for a single dental amalgam filling. However, each case is unique and will fluctuate based on certain factors including the size and location of the cavity and the location of the dental practice. In most cases, dental insurance covers a portion of dental filling treatments.

Are Dental Amalgam Fillings Safe?

The safety of dental amalgam and its mercury content has been a topic of debate for many years. Here are some insights to consider:

• Mercury Release: Dental amalgam fillings release small amounts of mercury vapor over time, especially during chewing or brushing. However, the amount released is very low.
• Elemental Mercury: Elemental mercury is in dental amalgam fillings, and its safety is supported by FDA guidelines and extensive research.
• Exposure Levels: Numerous studies have measured the mercury concentrations in the bodies of people with amalgam fillings. While dental amalgam fillings can result in increased mercury levels in the body, these levels are generally considered well below safety thresholds set by major health organizations. Research has concluded that the low level of mercury absorbed from amalgam fillings isn’t enough to create any toxic effects and is less than the amount most people are exposed to in their daily environment or in the food they eat.
• Mercury in Dental Amalgam: The safety of mercury in dental amalgam is well-documented, emphasizing that low levels of mercury don’t cause adverse effects.
• Exceptions: Some individuals may be more sensitive to the effects of mercury or may react to components of the dental amalgam. In such rare cases, an alternative filling material might be recommended.

Replacing Dental Amalgam Fillings

Dental amalgam fillings can be replaced for various reasons, including:

• Cosmetic Concerns: These fillings are silver in color and can be more noticeable than tooth-colored composite fillings.
• Fractures or Breakage: Over time, fillings can become worn, cracked, or broken.
• Decay: If decay develops around or under an existing filling, it may need to be replaced.
• Concerns About Mercury: While the American Dental Association and numerous other health organizations consider amalgam fillings safe, some people choose to have them replaced due to concerns about mercury exposure. However, removing these fillings can temporarily increase exposure to mercury vapor released during the process. It is important to consider the necessity of removing or replacing existing amalgam fillings to avoid unnecessary loss of healthy parts of the tooth and potential mercury release.

Maintaining healthy tooth structure is crucial when considering the replacement of amalgam fillings. The potential damage to healthy tooth structure should be carefully evaluated to ensure the best outcome for dental health.

If you need a filling replaced, contact Thomas W. Kauffman, DDS, PC today.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can amalgam fillings cause health issues?

The risk of adverse health effects from amalgam fillings is minimal, but some people may experience localized allergic reactions.

How long do amalgam fillings last?

With proper care, amalgam fillings can last 10 to 15 years or even longer.

Do You Need Dental Fillings?

Amalgam fillings remain a reliable and cost-effective option for dental restorations. While they have some drawbacks, their durability and longevity make them a valuable choice for many patients. When considering dental fillings, discussing your options with our dentist to make an informed decision based on your unique needs and preferences is essential. Consulting dental professionals ensures you receive the best advice tailored to your specific situation.

If you’re looking to replace your amalgam filling with a tooth-colored filling, schedule your appointment with our Atlanta dentist today by calling (404) 524-1981.