 Mercury (Silver) Fillings
An inexpensive way to restore a small amount of tooth decay
A Treatment For:
- A small amount of decay on a back tooth
How It Works:
Tooth decay is removed and cleaned. Then a mixture of silver/tin alloy and
mercury is made. This gray colored material called a mercury (or amalgam)
filling is then packed into the tooth and shaped to restore the decayed area.
Advantages:
Mercury fillings have been used for more than 125 years. Their biggest
advantage is that they are quickly placed, making them relatively
inexpensive. They are also relatively durable.
Disadvantages:
Mercury fillings do not bond (stick) to the tooth structure. This requires
the preparation to be "undercut," creating a chamber that is smaller at the
surface of the tooth and wider inside. This undercut keeps the filling from
falling out of the tooth.
The problem is that the creation of this undercut requires the removal of
more healthy tooth structure than is necessary. This weakens the tooth and
predisposes the tooth to fracture when biting into hard items. Since fillings
will break down from normal wear, they will eventually need to be replaced,
and this will require the removal of even more healthy tooth structure.
At this point, studies indicate what appear to be no measurable health risks
to patients who have mercury fillings. However, we do know that mercury is a
highly toxic material that can cause neurological and kidney disease. Adults
and children have even been warned to limit the consumption of certain types
of fish that carry high levels of environmental mercury. Even if there are no
direct risks to patients, the extensive use of mercury in fillings may have a
long term environmental impact.
Dr. Work has chosen NOT to replace mercury fillings and has been doing mercury-free restorations since 1991.
Alternatives:
Composite (white) fillings are an excellent alternative, limiting the removal
of healthy tissue and posing no known environmental risk. In cases of
extensive decay, inlays/onlays or crowns are a much better restoration.
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