When you were a child and your dentist said that you needed a filling, chances were that a dental amalgam was used. Amalgam fillings are a mixture of metals, such as tin, copper, silver, and mercury. These were the silver colored fillings that the dentist applied to a child’s and adult’s teeth. In this blog post, we will give some of the pros and cons of dental amalgam fillings and whether or not to replace them.

Amalgam introduction:

Dental amalgam restorations also known as silver mercury fillings have been a standard restorative filling for premolars and molars since the early 1800s. This option replaced the gold foil options since it was more cost effective and allows a patient to keep the tooth. Keeping teeth is essential to improving a patient’s quality of life.

Amalgam advantages:

  • Durable Material: These fillings are made with components that make it extremely durable. They can withstand wear and tear and can last approximately ten to twelve years or even longer before requiring replacement.
  • Affordable: As mentioned before, this option became an option due to the affordability starting back in the 1800s. This is one of the main reasons patients and dentists chose this option.
  • Eat most foods: Due to amalgam fillings being so durable, patients can easily eat most foods without worrying about the filling breaking.
  • Future cavities protection: Amalgam fillings make the edges of the tooth next to the cavity more resistant to future cavities.

Amalgam disadvantages:

There are many advantages to this filling type however, it is important to explain some of the disadvantages which have to do with the material used. For example; the fillings can get darker over time, can cause increased tooth sensitivity and the tooth with the filling can become weaker and crack. There is also a lot of controversy over whether the filling is safe or not.

Removal or not:

Before you make any decisions on removing your amalgam filling it is essential to speak with Dr. Abrams. If your filling and tooth are in good condition and there is no tooth decay, Dr. Abrams might not recommend removing the filling. Having the filling removed can cause the loss of healthy tooth structure, especially if the amalgam filling is intact. If you would prefer to have the filling removed, however, have a conversation with Dr. Abrams to discuss the need for removal and procedure.

If you would like to have your amalgam fillings removed or if there is a need to have them removed, such as decay, fractured tooth structure and/or fracture lines that have formed surrounding the filling, we can do that safely. We utilize proper armamentarium including oxygen, a rubber dam for isolation, an amalgam suction and a vacuum for capturing the particles and protecting the patient during the removal of the amalgam.

If you have amalgam fillings, but are unsure if you should have them removed, call Downtown Franklin Family Dentistry for an appointment with Dr. Abrams. Dr. Abrams will have a consultation with you to discuss the different options available. In order to make an appointment, visit our website and fill out our contact form or call us at (615) 595-6111.

What You Need to Know About Oral Surgeons

May 18, 2023

Oral health and hygiene are essential to your overall health. That’s why...

Read More

What to Expect When Getting Your Teeth Cleaned

May 4, 2023

At Downtown Franklin Family Dentistry, we understand a trip to the dentist...

Read More

The Benefits of Oral Health and Hygiene

April 20, 2023

The New York Times recently evaluated the latest medical research, and, to...

Read More

What’s a Periodontist?

April 6, 2023

Answers to All of Your Questions About Periodontists It’s important for everyone...

Read More

No Reason to Fear a Root Canal

March 23, 2023

Root canals are often dreaded, but the truth is they aren’t nearly...

Read More

Why Am I Being Referred to an Endodontist?

March 2, 2023

At Downtown Franklin Family Dentistry, we provide a wide range of services...

Read More

Thank Your Dentist for a Better Night’s Sleep

February 16, 2023

Do you wake up feeling like you haven’t slept? While there are...

Read More

The Easiest Step for Better Health

February 2, 2023

You hear it all the time: eat better and exercise more to...

Read More

Beat Bad Breath

January 26, 2023

Bad breath, also known as halitosis, is a common problem with a...

Read More

Floss the Teeth You Want to Keep

January 13, 2023

Is flossing a daily habit? If not, now is a good time...

Read More

Why Do My Teeth Hurt?

December 30, 2022

Do you find your teeth suddenly or gradually have started to hurt?...

Read More

Take Advantage of Open Enrollment Before It’s Too Late!

December 14, 2022

For many people, the open enrollment period for health benefit plans will...

Read More

Use It or Lose It

December 1, 2022

What does dental insurance have in common with Cinderella’s horse-drawn carriage? They...

Read More

Whiter Teeth? Yes, please!

November 17, 2022

Wishing your smile was just a little bit brighter? You’re not alone!...

Read More

Coping With Dental Anxiety

November 3, 2022

Does your heart rate go up when you think about a visit...

Read More