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FILLINGS
AMALGAM
These are the typical silver fillings that everyone has grown up with. Amalgam has been used for over 150 years on over 120
million Americans, it is a safe and durable material. The most common mixture is that of silver, copper and tin, in addition to
mercury, which chemically binds these components into a hard, stable and safe substance.
Primarily due to the appearance of amalgams, we now use almost exclusively
composite (white) filling materials in our office.
Mercury concerns
There has been controversy surrounding the mercury component in silver fillings. Here are a few facts;
- Amalgam has an indisputable safety record. The U.S. Public Health Service issued a report in 1993 stating there is no
health reason not to use amalgam, except in the extremely rare case of a patient who is allergic to a component of
amalgam.
- Local hypersensitivity to components of amalgam occurs extremely rarely as a rash on the cheek or tongue next to a
filling.
- People are exposed to more total mercury from food, water and air than from the minuscule amounts of mercury vapor
generated from amalgam fillings.
- Inorganic mercury compounds, such as those formed when dental amalgam is mixed, are poorly absorbed into the body,
and the little absorbed are readily excreted by the kidneys.
- In the over 150 years of use and millions and millions of placements, there have been only 100 documented cases of
allergic reactions to amalgams.
- In 1991 the FDA,s Dental Products Panel found there was no reason to remove amalgam fillings.
- Claims that removal of amalgam leads to recovery from multiple sclerosis or that the amalgam leads to arthritis
or
Alzheimer's disease are unsubstantiated and without scientifically established cause and effect.
- When amalgam fillings are removed or replaced, much more mercury is released than if they were left in place. Fillings
should be left until there is good dental reasons for replacing them.
COMPOSITE
Now with advances in modern dental materials and techniques, we can restore teeth with a more aesthetic and natural
appearance. There are several different types of cosmetic fillings currently available. The type used will
depend on the location
of the tooth and amount of repair required.
Composite fillings are usually made up of either a composite quartz,
zirconium, or silica resin and some sort of light sensitive
agent. These light cured composites are very cosmetic and are bonded into place in one appointment. Even though these type
of fillings have been in dentistry for decades, it is only recently that the materials have improved to withstand the incredible
forces you can exert when chewing on your back teeth.
BONDING
Bonding is accomplished by first preparing the tooth and conditioning (or etching) the enamel and dentin with a mild acid
solution. Once conditioned, a thin resin is applied which bonds to the etched surface. The strength of this bond is absolutely
incredible. Today we can bond both amalgam and composite fillings which increases the strength of these restorations of only
a short time ago. After placement, composites are hardened by exposing them to an intense light for around 45 seconds. Since
this type of filling is hardened instantly, you may chew on it right away.
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