Are Silver Fillings a Danger to My Health?

When you get a cavity, which is essentially a small hole in your tooth caused by decay, dentists use special materials to fill it. The material used in dental fillings has advanced over the years, but silver fillings have been a common choice for dentists for a long time.

Although there are alternatives available, silver fillings are not harmful to a patients health.

The silver filling material is a mixture of mercury, a silver alloy, tin and copper. Known as dental amalgam, the use of this mixture has been a controversial topic, namely due to the fact that it contains mercury, which can be toxic when ingested in significant amounts. Although scientists speculate that it is possible for mercury to leech into the mouth from a silver filling, several studies have concluded that the amount that could be released is not enough to pose a significant health risk. In fact, the release of mercury in silver fillings is so small that it is much less than what patients are exposed to in food, air and water.

Nevertheless, many patients are turning to alternative restoration materials. These include gold, porcelain, and composite resins. Dental composite resins are probably the most popular type of restoration material available today, due to their more natural look. Some dentists favor composite resins because they are more easy to manipulate, are insoluble and are insensitive to dehydration. Also, composite resins are fairly inexpensive when compared to other materials.

If you have concerns or questions regarding your fillings, feel free to contact Dr. Simon Melcher at Implant & General Dentistry today. Call 919-782-0548.

Our hours are Mon-Fri, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.

Need Cavity Fillings in Raleigh NC?

Cavities are small holes or depressions in a tooth caused by decay. Tooth decay can affect both the enamel of a tooth (the first, outer layer) and the dentin (the second, inner layer), making it pretty dangerous to your dental health if left untreated.

In order to treat a cavity, your dentist will remove the decayed portion of the tooth and fill the space with one of several types of materials. Cavity fillings can be created from gold, porcelain, silver amalgam, or composite resin. Each material has its own set of benefits and drawbacks. Modernly, porcelain and tooth-colored composite materials are the preferred materials, as they mimic the look and texture of natural teeth.

Getting a cavity filled may be a commonly dreaded procedure, but it is relatively easy on the patient. Before beginning the filling procedure, patients are given a numbing local anesthetic to the affected area. You may feel some pressure or slight discomfort from the procedure, but you shouldn't feel any pain. Afterward, some soreness or sensitivity could occur, but every individual is different - we'll talk to you personally about what you can expect during and after your visit.

Remember, cavities aren't fun, they can be avoided by maintaining a proactive dental hygiene regimen and keeping regularly scheduled dental check-ups.

If you're a Raleigh resident who has questions or concerns about tooth fillings, contact us today and we will be happy to give you additional information: 919-782-0548