For over 150 years, the gold standard in filling cavities was silver. Well, not just silver, but amalgam metal, which is a combination of liquid mercury as well as a powdered alloy comprised of silver, tin, and copper. These darkly colored restorations worked well to both protect the inside of the tooth from further decay and prevent food and bacteria from infiltrating it. But by the late 1990s and early 2000s, health concerns about mercury became more widespread, and soon composite resin tooth-colored fillings (made of safer materials including resin, quartz or glass, and pigments to mimic the shade of your natural teeth) became commonplace.
Today, amalgam metal fillings are rarely used, although many older restorations are still in excellent condition in mouths around the world. In addition to eliminating their unsightly appearance in your smile, here’s why replacing your old metal fillings could be better for your health.
Mercury Rising: The Dangers of Metal Fillings
In 2016, several groundbreaking studies were published concerning the safety of amalgam metal fillings. In one published by PLoS ONE, it was revealed that patients who were exposed to these restorations were 1.583 times more likely than others to develop Parkinson’s disease. In yet another by the University of Georgia, it was discovered that patients with more than eight metal fillings had higher levels of mercury in their blood.
The Benefits of Composite Resin
The good news is that following these studies, dentists didn’t have to look far for a reliable replacement, as composite resin fillings were already being used by most practices. Furthermore, as many patients with older restorations needed to redo them, they were already receiving the more natural-looking alternatives.
In addition to composite resin being safer and more realistic in appearance than metal, they also have the benefit of being durable and fully functional, so they don’t just look great, they work well too. They can also be applied in just minutes, and because they are less conductive of heat or cold, they aren’t as likely to cause tooth sensitivity while eating or drinking than their amalgam metal counterparts.
Replacing Your Fillings
Even if your old metal fillings are still in good condition, if you’re tired of the dark spots in your teeth when you open your mouth to smile, eat, or speak, or you’d like to lower your risk of elevated levels of mercury in your blood, speak to your dentist today about replacing them with composite resin. These fillings are safer, can easily last up to 10 years with proper care and use, and they have the added bonus of looking and feeling just like your real teeth.
Remember, amalgam metal fillings could put your health at risk by elevating levels of mercury in your blood. To protect your health and your smile, speak to your dentist today about replacing them with durable, beautiful composite resin.
About Our Practice
At Family & Implant Dentistry of Stuart, Dr. Broaddus and Dr. Laffita care about more than just your smile. If you’re ready to replace your old amalgam metal fillings and upgrade to safe, reliable, realistic tooth-colored fillings, schedule an appointment with us today on our website or by calling us directly at 772-286-3088.