Should I have my Amalgam Fillings replaced?
Amalgam fillings are often referred to as ‘silver’ fillings, and are composed of a silver alloy that has been in common use for hundreds of years.
Used to replace decay or to rebuild build broken parts of a tooth, dental amalgam is durable and safe.
Why get them replaced?
Sometimes people have their amalgam fillings replaced with white composite/porcelain fillings that are more aesthetically pleasing as they blend in with the colour of their teeth.
Some patients want to get their amalgam fillings replaced because of fears of mercury leakage or other health issues*. However, if the amalgam fillings are still intact and your teeth are in good condition, then it is safer to leave the amalgam fillings in place.
What we can do
We can do a comprehensive examination of your mouth and offer advice on based on the examination. If you decide to remove your old fillings, then we will remove the old amalgam (this is done carefully with the help of rubber dam) and also any additional decay that might have formed. Once the preparation is complete we replace the filling with a new composite filling.
White fillings are certainly less noticeable than amalgam and you can be confident that when you smile or laugh, your fillings are no longer visible.
Call us on 02 48616576 for more information.
* While there have been debates about the safety of amalgam fillings since the 1840s, they are still considered completely safe by FDI World Dental Federation (est in 1900) and many dental associations and public health organisations worldwide.