The Advantages of Mercury-Free Cosmetic White Fillings

Amalgam fillings are gradually being phased out. What other types of tooth restoration are available?

For a long time, the traditional dental filling has been made from amalgam. This is a combination of metals that include tin, silver, zinc and most controversially, mercury. It is this last ingredient that has been the cause for concern for an increasing number of patients over the years. Although amalgam has raised other issues such as picking up radio transmissions as suggested by actress Lucille Ball who claimed to have picked up Japanese radio transmissions during WWII. Tests have been done to try to replicate this but to no avail, so patients clearly shouldn’t worry about that!

A more legitimate concern is that the fillings contain mercury compounds and mercury is a toxin that can be poisonous. Understandably, some patients are worried about this and some claim to be more sensitive to it than others. Research has been done though and the BDA (British Dental Association) has concluded that there is no significant risk to the patient from its use. Mercury use is, though, gradually being phased out, largely in an attempt to reduce the quantity that finds its way into the environment and especially the water supply. You can read more about the BDA’s stance on this at https://bda.org/amalgam .

What fillings?

As amalgam has been the most common filling material used, there will obviously need to be alternatives if they are phased out. At Alexandra Dental Care, we have been offering alternative options for some time now, and many people have used these, probably largely because they are also more aesthetic, offering a more natural appearance than the darker coloured amalgam fillings.

Let us take a look then, at available alternative methods of restoring a tooth, where amalgam fillings would traditionally be used. Thankfully, there is a good selection available for our Ashby and Burton patients.

White fillings

These are the main alternative to traditional amalgam fillings. They contain no metals and are made from a composite mixture or resin and glass particles. The main immediate benefit to patients of this material, aside from the lack of mercury in them, is that they are white and can be made to match the colour of the natural tooth. Although a large proportion of fillings occur towards the rear of the mouth, most of us will have seen the darker fillings in our friends and family when they laugh. With white cosmetic dental fillings, this will no longer be a problem.

Appearance is not the only benefit of these though. For amalgam fillings to be placed, the tooth cavity has to be shaped to hold the filling in place. Composite fillings, on the other hand, bond well to the natural tooth and often means that less tooth has to be removed to apply the filling. Amalgam also shrinks over time, creating tiny gaps around the edges where bacteria can collect, potentially causing further decay. White fillings do not shrink.

Modern white fillings are much stronger than earlier versions and can be used for most fillings. Where a cavity is large and on a tooth that sustains a lot of pressure though, such as a rear tooth, other solutions may be more effective.

Patients that already have amalgam fillings and wish to replace these with white tooth fillings will be pleased to know that we can provide this service. Please discuss this with your dentist for further information.

Crowns, inlays and onlays

These are often used where a tooth has broken or decayed badly, creating a tooth that is shaped in a way that a filling wouldn’t be the most appropriate restoration. Inlays and onlays are also popular choices for large rear teeth fillings. The tooth is prepared, and from impressions, a porcelain inlay or onlay is created and used to fit the cavity. These look natural and also offer an excellent level of strength.

GI (Glass Ionomer)

This is a type of filling that you may never come across as its uses are limited. Made from a powdered glass that chemically bonds with your tooth, this is a weaker filing and is therefore unlikely to ever be used on any tooth where there is a biting surface. It can have its uses on non biting surfaces though, such as at the neck of the tooth as it can protect it from decay and also releases fluoride to help protect it.

Modern white dental fillings are an excellent choice in most cases where a filling is needed. As amalgam is being phased out, those dark coloured fillings will hopefully soon be a thing of the past. If you would like to find out more about modern cosmetic fillings, or wish to discuss amalgam filling removal with us, please contact Alexandra Dental Care on 01283 216347.

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