Question: What is Dental Amalgam?

Amalgam is a mixture of many materials such as silver, copper, tin and mercury. The term 'silver filling' is synonymous with dental amalgam, which describes the silver appearance of the material, but which is actually caused by mercury. As these fillings tarnish and corrode with age, they become black.

Question: Is the use or presence of dental amalgam in the human body safe?

The presence of mercury in amalgams has been a controversy in dentistry since the late 1800's. The reality is that a percentage of the population does demonstrate a hypersensitivity to mercury. However, many individuals have been shown to be sensitive to metals other than mercury, as in the use of certain jewelry items. People who demonstrate sensitivity to any heavy metal should seek other options for restoring decayed or fractured teeth. Although each patient is recognized as an individual, Dr. Keller has adopted the philosophy to care for all his patients as if they were members of his own family. With advances in science and technology, we now have materials and options that are far better than technology from the nineteenth century. In doing so, they will advise you to seek alternatives for amalgam fillings if deemed appropriate.

Question: What alternatives to dental amalgams exist?

Numerous alternatives exist for amalgam restorations. At present, gold inlays, onlays and crowns are all options. Composite resin fillings have become a wonderfully versatile filling material, thanks to a huge increase in discovery and innovation. All porcelain veneers, crowns, inlays, and onlays, as well as types of porcelain fused to metal crowns can be excellent alternatives to older silver fillings. Dr. Keller will usually prefer porcelain or composite, as this allows them to bond to tooth with a strength that exceeds a tooth's own bond to itself. We will advise you as to which type of restoration would give you the healthiest, longest lasting result.

Question: What other reasons exist for removal of dental amalgams?

The main flaw associated with older dental amalgams is that there is no true bond between the metal and the tooth and, starting from the very first day it is placed, microleakage occurs between the filling and the tooth. With time, decay can develop underneath. In addition, metals expand and contract when exposed to heat and cold differently than tooth, and this can result in fractures, which develop over time as we eat, chew, and drink. Lastly, there is the ever-present fact mercury is the greatest component of dental amalgam fillings. Even though the mercury that is lost from fillings over time is very slow, many feel that a slow, but continuous, mercury exposure may not be advantageous to one's health. We advise all of our patients to educate themselves on all aspects of their healthcare. There exist many excellent websites on the issue of mercury removal. We encourage you to visit our Links section.

Amalgam Fillings:

Composite Restorations:

Examples

Four dental amalgam restorations replaced due to tooth fracture and dental decay. Four bonded porcelain restorations were utilized for their excellent function, durability and esthetics.
 

Three failed amalgam restorations due to micro leakage and tooth decay. Three bonded restorations two porcelain and one composite were utilized to restore proper form, function and esthetics.
 

An example of multiple silver fillings replaced in one appointment with composite filling material.

 

More Examples

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