Understanding Amalgam Fillings

One of the largest and most contentious ongoing controversies in dental medicine is the debate around amalgam fillings, commonly placed by Denver-area dentists, and their mercury content. Though the toxic nature of mercury is well known, there is no documented proof that patients who have amalgams containing mercury suffer ill-effects. The toxicity estimates vary between infinitesimally small amounts to substantial ones, but amalgam fillings have been alleged to have caused a variety of ailments like autoimmune disorders and psychological conditions. Denver dentists will continue to use these types of amalgams until such time as reliable research can be provided to back up these claims. To-date, all official organizations connected to world health and dentistry have found no reason for patients to be concerned about amalgam fillings, regardless of age.

Amalgam fillings are low-cost, easy to administer, and resilient under the stress of chewing, even in the hardworking molar teeth. But, with the emergence of composite fillings which have similar hardiness, look more natural and no metallic elements, amalgam fillings have become a second choice.

Other shortcomings of using amalgam fillings are the larger amount of tooth material that has to be drilled out to correctly fit them in, and the attention they draw to a patient’s teeth because of their dark grey color. Sensitivity of the area in which the amalgam is placed, as reported by some patients, usually reduces several days after the treatment.

Composite fillings, in contrast, require treatment with dental glue and resins and then sealing with special lighting devices. Because amalgams are much less complicated, their ease of application and durability makes them more appealing to patients who do not like to spend time in the dentist’s chair. A patient should always consult the options with their Denver dentist before deciding on a course of treatment.

A normal oral check-up usually reveals whether or not a patient requires fillings. Denver dentists will advise their patients on appropriate treatment options following taking and evaluation of X-rays.

Amalgam fillings are the way to go if patients are concerned about cost, but the slightly more expensive composite fillings provide better aesthetics. The dentist will assess the bite pattern of the patient and if the patient has a strong bite and a habit of jaw clenching and teeth grinding then the dentist may suggest an amalgam filling instead of a composite filling.

Another advantage to amalgam fillings is that most dental insurance plans today cover them because they are less costly and not the more expensive composites.

The patient must discuss their needs and budget with their Denver dentist to help determine an appropriate treatment plan.