When a tooth starts to decay, dentists may recommend sealing it with a dental amalgam filling to stop the decay. They may suggest a dental amalgam filling. However, you may have heard that amalgam fillings contain mercury and wonder whether it’s safe to put in your mouth. If you have concerns about amalgam fillings, it’s in your best interest to schedule an appointment with our dental fillings/dentists located in Basking Ridge & Morristown, NJ, who can help you improve your oral health.
What Are the Potential Risks of Amalgam Fillings?
Firstly, an amalgam filling, also known as a silver filling, is a long-lasting material of mercury and metal alloys used to fill holes in a tooth after removing decay. These fillings are typically used for teeth in the back of the mouth because they do not match the color of a natural tooth. They usually last at least ten years.
What Are Amalgam Fillings Made Of?
- Composed of a mixture of mercury and metal alloys
- Common metals include copper, tin, and silver
- Often called silver fillings
- Used to restore teeth after decay
- Commonly used for back teeth because of the durability of the materials
Why Dentists Still Use Amalgam Fillings
- Considered one of the strongest materials used for fillings
- Less likely to break than other alternative materials
- Often more affordable than composite fillings
- Performs well in areas exposed to moisture
Many patients have concerns about amalgam fillings, as they contain elemental mercury. Unfortunately, there is a risk of mercury vapor being released into the body as the filling wears. These vapors can be inhaled and absorbed by the lungs. Exposure to high levels of mercury has been linked to adverse effects on the brain and kidneys.
Understandably, you may question whether putting amalgam inside your mouth is safe. However, you can rest assured that substantial research has concluded that amalgam fillings only produce minimal amounts of mercury, which are generally considered safe for most patients. To put your mind at rest, the amount of mercury you can be exposed to from amalgam fillings is less than what most people are exposed to in their daily environment or the food they consume.
Are There Alternative Filling Materials to Amalgam fillings in New Jersey?
If you have a known allergy to mercury, are exposed to high levels of mercury daily, or are currently pregnant, it’s best to consider amalgam alternatives. Fortunately, there are a number of restorative options available that you can discuss with your Morris County dentist to help restore your teeth.
Composite Fillings
One of the most common alternatives is composite fillings. These fillings are made of a mixture of fine glass and plastic. They are placed on visible teeth as they are tooth-colored. This type of filling doesn’t detract from your smile.
- Tooth colored appearance
- Blends naturally with the surrounding teth
- Most often used on visible teeth
- Common cosmetic option
Gold Fillings
Another alternative is gold fillings. This durable filling, also known as inlays or onlays, is much more expensive because it is composed of an alloy of gold, copper, silver, zinc palladium, platinum, and other metals.
- Extremely durable
- Resistant to wear
- Higher cost than other materials
- Often utilized in long-term restoration
Ceramic Fillings
Moreover, you could choose a ceramic filling. These fillings often look the most natural as they are made from porcelain. They are also less likely to stain over time as they are more brittle.
- Natural appearance
- Resistant to staining
- Durable under normal conditions
- Prone to breaking
Glass Ionomer Fillings
Glass ionomer fillings are another alternative dental restorative material made from a combination of glass powder and an organic acid. They bond chemically to the tooth structure. These fillings are typically used when a patient has significant decay in a particular area of the tooth below the gum.
- Bonded chemically to the structure of the tooth
- Typically used below the gumline
- Releases fluoride over time
- Beneficial for patients with decay
- Less durable than other options
When Should an Amalgam Filling Be Replaced in New Jersey?
It’s important to understand that not all amalgam fillings need to be replaced. However, as time progresses, your dentist will regularly check your fillings to ensure they are still properly sealed. If issues arise, your dentist can inform you if the filling needs to be replaced.
Signs a Filling Needs a Replacement
- Cracks in the tooth
- Tooth sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures
- Pain when chewing, flossing, or brushing
- Visible wear around the filling
- The filling becomes loose or damaged
- Decay develops around the filling
Contact Our Morris County Dental Team Today
As you can see, if you want to avoid amalgam altogether, your dentist can recommend other materials to restore your teeth. At Dental Associates of Basking Ridge, we regularly advise patients throughout Basking Ridge, Morristown, Bernardsville, and the surrounding Morris County communities to explore their filling options to help improve the appearance and function of teeth. If you believe you may need a filling installed or replaced, please don’t hesitate to contact and schedule an appointment with our team today.
