What Are Amalgam Fillings?
Amalgam fillings are made up of a combination of metals, which consist of liquid Mercury and an alloy powder made up of Silver, Copper and Tin. Amalgam fillings are hard-wearing and are Silver in colour. The NHS consider Composite tooth coloured fillings to be cosmetic and are not classed as medically needed, so you will have Amalgam fillings placed in your teeth to restore them.
What Are Composite Fillings?
Composite fillings are made up of a plastic and glass mixture, they are also known as White fillings.
Your NHS dentist may offer you a tooth coloured Composite filling if your front teeth need restoring. Composite fillings are less noticeable than Amalgam fillings as they are tooth coloured they blend better with the teeth. There is no evidence to suggest that Composite fillings can harm you in anyway.
Which Filling Is Better?
Advantages and Disadvantages
Depending on what your needs are will determine which filling would be best for you.
Amalgam Fillings
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| * They have been used for over a century | * Some people are allergic |
| * Has a long life-span of 10-15 years | * Noticeable as they are silver in colour |
| * Not as expensive as Composite fillings |
Composite Fillings
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| * Tooth coloured – so not noticeable | * Do not tend to last as long as Amalgam fillings |
| * As Composite material is flexible it involves less drilling | * Takes longer to place, so longer appointment |
| * Bonds to the tooth surface |
Risks with Amalgam Fillings?
Amalgam fillings contain toxic properties and tend to release low levels of Mercury vapour when the fillings are being placed and removed. Some people who already have high exposure to Mercury may choose to avoid having Amalgam fillings placed
If you have any concerns about Amalgam fillings speak to Dr Parminder.
Should I Replace My Amalgam Fillings?
Amalgam Fillings should ideally be replaced when the they are worn, broken or if decay is present underneath an existing filling. If you remove your Amalgam fillings and it is not necessary, you will end up having to take away health parts of the tooth and it could also lead to more Mercury being released. Speak to your dentist who can advise you if any of your fillings need to be replaced.
Alternative Filling Materials To Amalgam Containing Mercury
There are various alternative filling materials to Amalgam such as, Composite Resin, Gold, Porcelain and there is now an Amalgam used in dentistry which contains Indium as well as Mercury. The Indium will help to retain the Mercury resulting in less being released into the environment. Another alternative would be High Cooper Amalgams which contain less Mercury and more Cooper.
At Viva Dental Studio we do not use Amalgam, we work only with Composite filling material to restore teeth. If you are thinking of changing your Amalgam fillings call us today on 01708 446447.
You can follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter under the name of @vivadentalstudio.
We provide general and cosmetic dentistry to all areas of London and Essex. These include dentist in Hornchurch, Upminster, Grays, Cranham, Brentwood, Shenfield, Giddea Park, Romford, Emerson Park, Ardleigh Green, Elm Park, Thurrock, Rainham and many more surrounding areas.