Questions about Amalgam Fillings
Frequently Asked Questions about Amalgam Fillings
What are amalgam fillings?Amalgam fillings are used to treat tooth decay caused by cavities. These fillings contain mercury, silver, tin, copper, and possibly some other metallic substances. In recent years, questions about the safety of using mercury in fillings has led many dentists to recommend other filling options which may be more safe and preserve more of the structural integrity of your tooth.
What are the dangers of using amalgam fillings?
Over time, the metal in your amalgam fillings will expand and contract with changes in temperature, causing your teeth to lose up to 80% of their strength. Also, there is the danger that the mercury in your fillings can leak, causing mercury toxicity. Some people do not like amalgam fillings simply because they are aesthetically unappealing.
What are the alternatives to amalgam fillings?
Advances in cosmetic dentistry technology have created several viable alternatives to amalgam fillings which are much safer and more aesthetically appealing options to treat your tooth decay.
They also have the huge added benefit of making your tooth stronger by bonding to the tooth and reinforcing your own tooth structure. White fillings can be used to provide you with a treatment that closely mirrors the color of your natural tooth.
There are two types of materials used in white fillings: composite and porcelain. Composite fillings are a less expensive option, but they are not as durable as porcelain fillings. Depending on your particular oral health issues, Park City cosmetic dentist Dr. Kent Johnson will recommend the appropriate filling for your needs.
Should I replace my amalgam fillings with tooth colored fillings?
Several studies have shown that over time, amalgam fillings lose their mercury content. This means that the longer your amalgam fillings remain in your mouth, the higher the concentration of mercury in your body’s tissues. Furthermore, studies have demonstrated that mercury vapor is released every time you chew, further increasing your chances of suffering from mercury toxicity.
Keeping amalgam fillings in your mouth may also cause your natural tooth structure to weaken over time and even shatter. As a result, this may lead to the need for more extensive dental work in the future at even greater expense.
Dr. Johnson will evaluate the condition of your fillings and your natural tooth structure to determine whether or not it is a good idea to remove your amalgam fillings. He makes his recommendations based on your unique oral health issues, and it is difficult to determine whether replacing your fillings is appropriate until he conducts a comprehensive oral evaluation.
For more information on fillings, please see Questions about White Fillings.
If you would like to find out whether or not to replace your amalgam fillings, please contact our Park City cosmetic dentistry office today to schedule your initial consultation. Dr. Johnson serves patients in the Salt Lake City and Park City, Utah areas.
