Amalgam fillings, also known as silver fillings, have been the preferred choice for dental restorations for more than 100 years. Despite their durability and affordability, many patients reject them because of their unattractive appearance.
Recently, several concerns were raised regarding the use of amalgam fillings, leading to an update in dental regulations that banned their use. This has created widespread uncertainty among patients about the reasons for the ban and whether having existing amalgam fillings is dangerous.
If you have an amalgam restoration and are wondering whether you should replace it, the experts at Camden High Street Dental Practice will help you understand the amalgam ban and advise you on what to do about your existing amalgam restorations.
Concerned about your existing silver fillings? Book a consultation with our experienced team at Camden High Street Dental Practice for personalised advice and treatment recommendations.
What Is Dental Amalgam?
Dental amalgam is the historical dental filling material used since the nineteenth century. It is composed of a mixture of several metals, including silver, tin, copper, and mercury. Regarding its advantages, it offers:
- High durability
- Can withstand chewing forces without fracture
- Affordable cost
These advantages have made dental amalgam the first choice for restoring teeth in high-stress areas, specifically the posterior teeth.
However, for anterior teeth, amalgam was never an option because of their metallic appearance. And over the years, with the high demand for an aesthetic smile, some people even refuse to use dental amalgam, even for back teeth.
Why Has Dental Amalgam Been Banned?
Although many people may mistakenly believe that amalgam fillings are being banned due to safety concerns, the actual reason for the ban is environmental protection.
The problem with amalgam fillings is their mercury content. Mercury is a hazardous substance that poses risks to both human health and the environment.
For humans, prolonged exposure to mercury vapors can lead to problems in the lungs, kidneys, nervous system, and immune system. Additionally, once released into the environment, mercury can settle in water and soil, transforming into more toxic forms that accumulate in fish. These contaminated fish can then transfer mercury to humans when consumed.
However, it is important to note that amalgam fillings contain a small amount of mercury, which is released only during application and removal. While in function within the oral cavity, no hazards have been identified, and amalgam fillings are considered completely safe.
This is why, in line with the global initiative to reduce mercury hazards to the environment, dental amalgam has been banned, with a phase-out period extending until 2034. However, its use is still recommended when necessary for dental treatments.
As the most cost-effective dental filling material and a key component of the NHS system, amalgam is being phased out through a strategy that includes an immediate ban on its use for patients under 15 years old and pregnant women.
Should Existing Amalgam Fillings Be Replaced?
There is no urgent need to replace old amalgam fillings because, as explained, dental amalgam is completely safe. Therefore, if you have existing, well-functioning amalgam fillings, replacement is unnecessary.
You should only replace an existing amalgam filling if it shows signs of failure, such as:
- Broken filling
- Tooth decay developed at the margins of the filling, causing leakage.
- Tooth fracture
- Tooth sensitivity
- Patients who have cosmetic concerns about the appearance of amalgam fillings.
What Are the Alternatives for Amalgam Fillings?
Several alternatives to amalgam fillings are available, including:
1. Composite Resin
Composite resin consists of a resin matrix embedded with glass particles. It is available in various shades and strengths, providing versatility for numerous applications, including cavity filling, complete smile makeovers through composite bonding, treatment of tooth discolouration, and restoration of broken teeth.
Since their introduction, composite resin restorations have gained popularity among dental patients due to their numerous advantages, including:
- • Aesthetic appearance
- • High strength
- • Conservation of tooth structure during reduction
- • Strong colour match with the surrounding teeth
- 2. Glass Ionomer
Glass ionomer is a tooth-coloured restorative material that releases fluoride, helping to combat tooth decay. However, glass ionomers have a high solubility rate, which reduces their durability. They are especially useful in cases with a high caries index or when long-term temporary restoration is needed.
3. Ceramic Restorations
Large cavities requiring extensive restorations can be effectively treated using ceramic restorations, such as ceramic inlays and onlays.
Ceramic restorations are fabricated based on an impression of the tooth and are indirectly constructed in the dental laboratory before being bonded to the tooth. Although this process involves more steps compared to the direct application of composite resin, ceramic restorations offer superior strength, stain resistance, durability, and excellent aesthetics.
The field of dental materials has made significant progress in developing new restorative materials designed to create safe and effective dental fillings as alternatives to dental amalgam.
There is no need to replace your amalgam fillings for safety reasons. If you are experiencing any issues with your current fillings, Contact Camden High Street Dental Practice today for a thorough assessment.
Looking For Advice About Your Silver Fillings?
Camden High Street Dental Practice Experts Are Here for You!
Camden High Street Dental Practice is a leading dental clinic in London with over 50 years of experience. We consistently incorporate the latest technologies and materials to help our patients achieve excellent overall well-being safely and efficiently.
We adhere to recent guidelines regarding the ban on amalgam fillings for environmental reasons. At the same time, we carefully evaluate existing amalgam fillings during regular check-ups.
There is no need to panic about existing amalgam fillings. We carefully evaluate them and recommend replacement only if any signs of failure are present.
We also provide high-quality dental filling materials as alternatives to amalgam, including ceramics, composite resin, and glass ionomer.
If you have any concerns about your existing amalgam fillings, book an appointment at Camden High Street Dental Practice today. Our experts will assess your fillings, help you understand your options, and guide you in making the right decision.
