The best available current research suggests that for the majority of the population metal fillings are safe. The two main constituents of Amalgam fillings are Silver and Mercury. These are mixed together and form an amalgam. This is where the material's name comes from. 40% - 50% of the final filling by weight is composed of Mercury.
Those opposed to Amalgam fillings state that low levels of mercury vapour are released during chewing and that over time this is concentrated in certain body organs, specifically the Liver and Kidneys. No one disagrees over the fact that mercury vapour is released; however there is much controversy as to whether or not the amount of Mercury vapour can cause significant problems. To put it in perspective, one study has suggested that you will consume as much Mercury from eating a fillet of fish once per week as will be released from your fillings.
To balance this perspective, in 1999 the Department of Health in the UK directed that ?where possible Amalgam fillings should not be placed in the mouths of pregnant women.? They stated that this was as a ?precautionary measure?. And the American Dental Association has recently re written its advice on metal fillings noting that mercury is a known neurotoxin.
How does this affect me?
Wherever possible treatments to improve your dental health and smile should be based on Scientific Evidence. For this reason it is currently though that Amalgam (even though it does contain mercury) is probably a safe material for use. Many people however do not feel comfortable with the use of Amalgam in their mouths or would simply prefer a tooth coloured alternative. These tooth coloured fillings Rae gaining ever wider acceptance. Here's what you need to know.
White Fillings the Pros and Cons
White fillings are metal free, they are made from a mixture of resins and mineral based fillers which set in the presence of a bright light. From an aesthetic view point white fillings certainly look better than amalgam ones. They can match the shade of your natural teeth creating an almost ?invisible? repair. The main downside to white fillings is that they are not suitable for every situation and they take longer to place. For small to medium size cavities white fillings are now considered reliable and effective. White fillings are believed not to last as long as metal fillings although with newer techniques and materials the life expectancy of white filling is increasing all the time. For bigger cavities, white fillings are not considered to be quite as suitable and the use of a of porcelain or gold inlays may be an option instead.
