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Replacing amalgam fillings

 
 

Amalgam is a common filling material, often referred to as silver fillings. While safe, many people prefer to have old amalgam fillings replaced.

Once the most popular choice for fillings, amalgam has since been surpassed by more modern filling materials such as composite. If you’re unhappy with the appearance of your old amalgam fillings, or don’t feel comfortable with keeping them, Kowhai Dental can extract and replace the amalgam with a colour-matched composite for a natural look.

 
 

Why replace amalgam fillings?

Amalgam has received some bad press in the past due to containing mercury. Essentially, amalgam is roughly 50 percent mercury with the rest being made up of metals such as tin, copper, silver or zinc. The make-up of amalgam creates a very strong filling, designed to stand the test of time.

However, an amalgam filling will start as silver in colour and gradually darken with time. These fillings are relatively conspicuous and some may consider them to be unsightly. Meanwhile, others may not feel comfortable having mercury in their mouth, due to concerns about mercury poisoning.

It’s important to note that it has been determined that the amount of mercury in an amalgam filling is safe for people over the age of six years old. However, we believe it’s your personal choice to decide whether or not you want to retain your amalgam fillings.

Otherwise, you may simply want to have a filling replaced because it is old and at risk of fracturing your teeth or causing secondary tooth decay. Either way, we’re happy to help you.

 

What is the process for replacing amalgam fillings?

When you come to Kowhai Dental, we’ll start by consulting with you about your fillings. We’ll discuss long-term restorative options to replace the amalgam filling, as well as any protective protocols you’d prefer us to use to reduce the risk of mercury exposure during the removal.

Some protocols we may offer include:

  • Using a rubber dam to isolate the teeth and prevent amalgam from being inhaled or swallowed.

  • Piping oxygen for you during the procedure. 

  • Using high-powered suction to evacuate amalgam slurry and vapour before exposure can occur.

After the old filling is removed, we’ll proceed with a replacement restorative option of your choice. Many patients prefer to have their old filling replaced with a composite filling. Composite is a mixture of glass powder and resin that is durable and can be coloured by your dentist to match the natural colour of your teeth, rendering it virtually unidentifiable to the untrained eye.

Otherwise, you might consider a porcelain crown. Your dentist will talk you through the options prior to the procedure so you can make an informed decision.

 

When to see a dentist

Rest assured that you’re not in any immediate danger of mercury poisoning due to an amalgam filling. There is no rush to have your amalgam fillings replaced, unless the filling has caused tooth fracturing or has been lost. In these cases, stay calm and call Kowhai Dental to let us know what’s happened.

The sooner you book an appointment with Kowhai Dental, the sooner we can treat you and put your mind at ease. Request an appointment online or call us on 09 430 0707.

 

Related treatments

Dental Fillings →

 
 
 

Got questions?

Are amalgam fillings bad for you?

Some people are concerned by the presence of mercury in an amalgam filling. Rest assured there is not enough mercury in an amalgam filling to do any harm.

That said, if you are still uncomfortable, or do not like the aesthetic, we are happy to help you replace an old amalgam filling.

Should amalgam fillings be removed?

An old filling doesn’t need to be removed unless it is causing issues, such as fracturing or secondary dental decay. If you aren’t experiencing problems, and you’re happy with the appearance of your amalgam fillings, there’s no need to have them replaced.

Which is better, amalgam or composite fillings?

Each filling material has its own benefits and drawbacks. Amalgam has stood the test of time and is still used today because it is extremely durable.

That said, composite is a more modern alternative that is also very durable and has the added advantage of being easily coloured to match the natural tone of the original tooth.

Composite is the preferred choice of anyone concerned about the appearance of their smile, or the presence of mercury.

When should amalgam fillings be replaced?

There is no rush to replace an amalgam filling unless it is causing issues of its own. If your filling has created fractures, secondary dental caries or has become lost, it’s a good idea to contact Kowhai Dental as soon as possible so we can advise you.

What are the side effects of amalgam fillings?

There are no existing side effects of amalgam fillings. Many people express concern about the presence of mercury in amalgam, however the New Zealand Dental Association (NZDA) affirms the safety of dental amalgam.

Rest assured that extensive scientific evidence shows dental amalgam, whether old or new, does not pose any threat to your wellbeing. There is no evidence linking amalgam fillings with any bodily health issues you may have heard about, including degenerative diseases, kidney disease, autoimmune disease, cognitive function, or adverse pregnancy outcomes.

Are white composite fillings as strong as amalgam?

No. Amalgam is both cheaper and more durable than composite. You can usually expect an amalgam filling to last around 15 years before it needs to be replaced. However, composite may only last between seven and 10 years.

Being metal, amalgam is considerably harder and is recognised as one of the strongest tooth filling materials. However, composite is more aesthetically pleasing and still lasts a good length of time. Both are perfectly healthy and safe options.

Does having a filling replaced hurt?

Your dentist will talk you through any relevant anaesthesia option. Most likely, we’ll use a local anaesthesia around the site of the filling to ensure you do not feel a thing during the procedure. At worst, you may experience some tingling.

You might experience some mild pain or sensitivity afterward, but this will likely not be severe and will fade over a few days.

 
 
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