Thanks to the development of new, stronger tooth coloured materials, silver amalgam fillings are often not the best choice for long term dental health, functionality and appearance.
At Chelsea Dental and Dermal Clinic we can safely remove existing amalgam fillings and replace them with new ceramic or composite materials.
What are the disadvantages of Dental Amalgam?
- Amalgam fillings can expand with age and crack teeth
- They can lose there protective seal and start to decay
- Cause grey staining within teeth
- Contain Mercury
- Non-adhesive unlike white fillings
Shown below is a typical case for this:
They were replaced with a combination of crowns and white fillings in two visits under sedation
The dental amalgam controversy refers to the conflicting views over the use of amalgam as a filling material mainly because it contains the element mercury. The concern centres on the health effects of toxicity or allergy which may be associated with constant mercury exposure, particularly as a potential cause of chronic illnesses, autoimmune disorders, neurodegenerative diseases, birth defects, oral lesions, and mental disorders. Scientists agree that dental amalgam fillings leach mercury into the mouth. The effects of this exposure is disputed and currently dental amalgam is approved for use in most countries, although Norway, Denmark and Sweden are notable exceptions.
At our clinic our patients welfare is of most importance and therefore we do not advocate the use of dental amalgam as a filling material. We offer alternatives such as tooth coloured composite filling materials or much stronger and longer lasting alternative, ceramic fillings. Our Cerec 3D machine can scan and mill ceramic fillings on site which offers a much better alternative to amalgam.
