FAMILY DENTISTRY

Silver fillings vs. tooth-colored fillings

A common question dentists get is, "are the silver fillings in my mouth harming me?" The answer is no.  The mercury in silver fillings exists in a solid state that is different from liquid mercury in old thermometers.  Studies show that humans are exposed to a larger amount of mercury in the environment and in their consumption of seafood products, than from having a silver filling placed.  Silver fillings are still indicated for many situations in the mouth.

Many patients wonder if they should replace all their silver fillings with tooth-colored fillings; it is not indicated unless an old filling has decay under it, the tooth has fractured, or the patient wants to replace it for cosmetic reasons.  Removing a mouthful of silver fillings may be more harmful and expose the patient to more mercury than leaving them in place.

Both silver and tooth-colored fillings have their place in dentistry and have the potential of lasting 7-10 years or more (if placed correctly and in appropriate situations).  If a tooth-colored filling is done correctly, and with adequate isolation from a patient’s saliva, the newest technology has enabled them to last as long as silver fillings.

Contact Dr. Lawson for more information.