For over 100 years, silver amalgam fillings have been the standard of care for filling a cavity. They are commonly known as silver fillings. What you may not realize is that calling them silver fillings is a bit misleading. This is because there is actually more mercury in them than silver. Technically, they should be called silver amalgam fillings. Amalgam is the combination of another metal with mercury.
Many people feel very adamantly that they don’t want mercury used in their mouth. Even though the American Dental Association states that amalgam fillings are safe, people are uncomfortable with them. But dentists do have another option.
White Composite Fillings:
Starting in the 1980s there were significant technology breakthroughs with composite filling material, as well as advances in the dental bonding techniques used to place them. Dentists have found that when the composite material is bonded directly to the teeth, they offer many benefits over the old, silver amalgam fillings. Both Dr. Rothwell has embraced this new technology and no longer use silver amalgam to fill cavities.
Benefits of Choosing a Mercury-free Dentist:
White composite fillings offer many benefits over silver amalgam
- The composite is bonded directly to the tooth, making it much stronger.
- You can expect less post-operative sensitivity.
- Less of your natural tooth structure needs to be drilled away.
- Composite seals the tooth which helps prevent future tooth decay.
- There is absolutely no mercury in the composite material.
- When done by an experienced cosmetic dentist, they will blend in beautifully with your natural teeth.
Below you can see a comparison of silver amalgam fillings on the top, with mercury-free, white composite fillings on the bottom.
Silver Amalgam Fillings
White Fillings
