Tooth Fillings

Although the US Public Health Service issued a report in 1993 stating that there is no health risk associated with amalgam (silver) fillings), many patients request "white" or tooth-colored composite fillings. We recommend tooth-colored fillings because they bond to the tooth structure and help strengthen a tooth weakened by decay. White fillings tend to be less sensitive to temperature, and they look natural. Tooth-colored fillings require minimal tooth reduction, conserving as much natural tissue as possible. We can assess your teeth to inform you if fillings or crowns are best for your unique case.

Dental amalgam is the most widely used and researched material for fillings. It has been used to restore the teeth of more than 100 million Americans over the past 150 years. Dental amalgam is a mix of metal (also known as an alloy) that is made by combining mercury, silver, tin, copper, and sometimes other metallic elements.   see details

• Since they bond to the tooth, composite fillings restore most of the original strength of the tooth. Silver weakens the teeth, making them more susceptible to breaking. Since broken teeth are very expensive to restore, composites can save a lot of expense over the long run.
• Composite fillings restore the natural appearance of the tooth.
• Teeth restored with white fillings are less sensitive to hot and cold than teeth restored with amalgam, if correct techniques are used.
• Composites are mercury-free. Mercury in the fillings is viewed by some as being toxic.
• Composites require less removal of tooth structure. Especially with new cavities, the size of the hole made for the filling can be dramatically smaller with composites.

ADVANTAGES OF SILVER AMALGAM FILLINGS:

• They are generally less expensive. Composite fillings, if they are done correctly, take about 60% longer, require special expertise and expensive materials, and are more difficult to place, and so they cost considerably more than silver.
• General dentists can place amalgam without extra training. Composite requires the use of special bonding technology that many dentists are uncomfortable with.
• The proper placement of a white filling requires that the site for the filling be kept totally isolated from saliva while it is being placed. In the very back of the mouth, on some patients, it is difficult to keep the tooth isolated for the duration of the procedure. This can also be uncomfortable for some patients. A silver amalgam filling does not require this strict isolation of the tooth.
• The filling by itself is a stronger material, although it weakens the tooth.
• Silver fillings have a longer history of use than mercury-free fillings, thus some feel that they are more tried and tested.