Recently there has been a lot of discussion about silver amalgam fillings.  There are pros and cons to these fillings.  You should educate yourself on these advantages and disadvantages because the difference is not just a matter of appearance.  Once you have the education you can make an informed decision and rest assured that you have the best fillings.

Dental schools, as a rule, do not fully train dentists for placing the newer composite types of fillings. Unfortunately, dentists have to pursue additional post-graduate continuing education to become proficient in composite bonding technology.  Hence, you may not have a dentist that is capable of doing both the silver and white composite fillings.  Decide which type of filling makes you and your expense account comfortable and go with your decision and not just with what your dentist is able to do.

The advantages of the Silver Amalgam fillings are:
1.  The silver fillings are generally less expensive.  Composite fillings can take about 60% longer to install.  Additionally, they require special expertise and expensive materials, and are more difficult to place, and so they cost considerably more than silver.  Additionally, dental insurance companies will generally not pick up this extra added cost.  The insurance companies generally will only pay for the lowest cost to fix the tooth which is the silver amalgam filling. 

2.  General dentists can place amalgam without extra training because this is taught in dental school.  Composite fillings require the use of special bonding technology that many dentists may not be trained on.  Dental schools often don't teach this technique because it is not on the exams and dental schools teach to the exams.

3.  Placing a silver filling is faster and can be a lot easier and comfortable than a composite filling.  The proper placement of a white composite filling requires that the site for the filling be kept totally isolated from saliva while it is being placed.  In the very back of the mouth, on some patients, it is difficult to keep the tooth isolated for the duration of the procedure. This can also be uncomfortable for some patients. A silver amalgam filling does not require this strict isolation of the tooth.

4.  The filling by itself is a stronger material, although it weakens the tooth.  Additionally, silver fillings have a longer history of use than mercury-free fillings, thus you may feel that they are more tried and tested.

The disadvantages of silver amalgam fillings:
1.  The silver amalgam filling is stronger but does not bond to the tooth like a composite filling.  Hence, silver weakens the teeth, making them more susceptible to breaking. Since broken teeth are very expensive to restore, composites can save a lot of expense over the long run. 

2.  Composite fillings restore the natural appearance of the tooth where the silver filling can easily be seen.

3.  Teeth restored with white composite fillings are less sensitive to hot and cold than teeth restored with amalgam, if correct techniques are used.

4.  Mercury in the fillings is viewed by some as being toxic.

5.  Silver amalgam fillings require more of the tooth structure removal than composites. Especially with new cavities, the size of the hole made for the filling can be dramatically smaller with composites. 

In summary, the largest advantage of a silver amalgam filling is that it is less expensive than the newer composite fillings.  However, there is an ongoing debate about the possible health issues of the mercury in the filling.  No one at this point has proven these health concerns, but many countries are banning the use of the mercury filling.  You must decide for yourself which filling will fit your situation best.

You may want to get white composite fillings the next time you require a tooth filling.  These fillings are newer and can be more expensive, but you will also find several advantages to going with the newer technology.  Once you have the education you can make an informed decision and rest assured that you have the best fillings.

Silver amalgam fillings have been around for several decades and once were the only method used to fill teeth.  However, more and more people are turning from this method to the newer white composite fillings.  You may find that your insurance will only pay for the cheapest option which will most likely be the silver amalgam. 

However, recent discussions have shown that mercury leaks from these fillings and can be harmful to your health.  No one has proved that these fillings are harmful, but some countries have banned them and others will soon follow suit.

Here are five reasons you will want to choose white composite fillings the next time you need a tooth filled:

1.  A white composite filling will bond to the tooth better than the silver amalgam.  When the composite is installed by a professional the composite, even though it is not as strong as the silver amalgam, will bind the tooth together and will restore the integrity of the tooth.  The composite will stand up to the rigors of chewing even in the back molars that endure a lot of pressure. 

The silver amalgam filling is stronger but does not bond to the tooth like a composite filling.  Hence, silver weakens the teeth, making them more susceptible to breaking. Since broken teeth are very expensive to restore, composites may save a lot of expense over the long run. 

2.  Composite fillings restore the natural appearance of the tooth where the silver filling can easily be seen.  When the composite is installed correctly you may find it difficult to tell exactly where the composite ends and the tooth begins.  Many people choose the composite filling for this advantage alone.

3.  Teeth restored with white composite fillings are less sensitive to hot and cold than teeth restored with amalgam, if correct techniques are used.  If you have had a silver amalgam filling, then you have most likely endured the new sensitivity of your tooth.  Sometimes this sensitivity can last for only days, but many endure a much longer period.  The composite filling should not have these same sensitivities.

4.  The white composite fillings do not have mercury content.  The silver amalgam fillings actually have more mercury than they do silver.  Studies have not proved that the mercury content is harmful to your health, but they haven't disproved it either.  However, these studies have proved that the mercury fillings give off odorless, tasteless, and toxic gas which may be harmful over time.

5.  The white composite fillings do not require as much of the tooth structure to be removed when installing.  This allows you to keep much more of your original tooth.  The composite filling bonds with the original tooth to add strength.

Silver amalgam fillings require more of the tooth structure removal than composites. Especially with new cavities, the size of the hole made for the filling can be dramatically smaller with composites. 

However the large disadvantage of composite fillings is that they often cost a lot more.  Additionally, insurance does not always pick up the additional expense for the white composite filling.

In summary, white composite fillings are becoming more popular as the alternative to silver amalgam fillings.  Many find the added cost of the fillings are more than compensated for by the advantages of the composite fillings.  You must decide for yourself which filling will fit your situation best.