An inexpensive way to restore a small amount of tooth
decay.
The Problem:
A small amount of decay on a portion of a back tooth
The Solution:
A silver (or amalgam) filling is a mixture of
approximately 50% silver/tin alloy and 50% mercury. After tooth decay is
removed and cleaned, this gray colored material is packed into the tooth
and shaped.
Advantages:
Silver fillings have been used for more than 125
years. Their biggest advantage is that they are quickly placed, making
them relatively inexpensive. They are also relatively durable.
Disadvantages:
Silver fillings do not bond (stick) to the tooth
structure. This requires the preparation to be "undercut," creating a
chamber that is smaller at the surface of the tooth and wider inside.
This undercut keeps the filling from falling out of the tooth.
The problem is that the creation of this undercut
requires the removal of more healthy tooth structure than is necessary.
This weakens the tooth and predisposes it to fracture when biting into
hard items. Since fillings will break down from normal wear, they will
eventually need to be replaced, and this will require the removal of
even more healthy tooth structure.
Though silver fillings contain some mercury, current
studies indicate what appear to be no measurable health risks to
patients. However, we do know that mercury is a highly toxic material
that can cause neurological and kidney disease. Adults and children have
even been warned to limit the consumption of certain types of fish that
carry high levels of environmental mercury. Even if there are no direct
risks to patients, the extensive use of mercury in fillings may have a
long term environmental impact.
Alternatives:
Composite (white) fillings are an excellent alternative, limiting the removal of healthy tissue and posing no known environmental risk. In cases of extensive decay, inlays/onlays or crowns are a much better restoration.
The Controversy
You may have heard or read the concerns about the mercury content in amalgam fillings. Though it is true that amalgam contains mercury there is no evidence that it is harmful once it is bound with the other metals in amalgam.
One way to think about it is to consider salt. The components in salt could kill you if ingested separately but one the components are bound together as salt they are safe. The same concept holds for the mercury in amalgam.
If you do have concerns, we respect that and will gladly use alternative materials and will not judge you for your choice.
123 Albany Ave. SE
Orange City, IA 51041
dental@joinerdentistry.com
(712) 737-3521 | (712) 737-4891 fax
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