Are Silver Fillings a Viable Option for Treating Teeth?

Are Silver Fillings a Viable Option for Treating Teeth?

The use of amalgam fillings can create significant controversy these days.  In my opinion there are two issues with amalgam fillings.  The first has to do with the elements that are used in amalgam.  Amalgams are made of several alloys that include Tin, Mercury, Zinc, Copper, and others.  There are many studies available that support the use and many studies that don’t support the use.  The Oregon department of Health specifies that I must treat any left over amalgam as hazardous waste.  I am not allowed to place it in the trash or even in the sewer system.  It is not acceptable to place in the toilet but is okay to place it in your mouth.  I would encourage you to visit the FDA’s website, and search the internet for more on the metals used in amalgam.  A little research will help you in developing your own opinion on the elements that make up amalgam and whether or not they are good for you.

 The second has to do with how the tooth is shaped to accommodate amalgam.  Amalgam does not bond to your tooth, therefore your dentist has to create undercuts inside the tooth to help hold the amalgam in place.  Reshaping a tooth to hold an amalgam usually results in more aggressive tooth removal as well as sharp internal acute angles.  Internal acute angles weaken the tooth and over time leads to many fractured teeth.  For most teeth with amalgam it’s not a matter of if the tooth will fracture but rather when.

I take a very simple approach to amalgams in my office with three principles.  My first principle is that I will not perform a service on anybody that I would not perform on myself or my family.  Not one member of my family has amalgams.  The second principle is to be as conservative with natural tooth structure as possible.  We have wonderful options to replace missing tooth structure but the reality is that nothing works as well as your natural tooth and once you remove it is gone forever.  The third principle is to always return your tooth back to its original form function and beauty.  Amalgam violates all three principles.  Remember we have wonderful options available to us today that don’t violate any of my three principles.  

In my opinion silver fillings were wonderful option during the early part of the twentieth century.  They are currently however, outdated and do not contribute to improving a persons overall oral health.

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