What materials are dental fillings made from?

Modern dental fillings are available in a range of different materials. These include:

• Gold. The most expensive variety, they gold fillings are also the most durable and can last upwards of 20 years.

• Porcelain. A very popular option which can be matched to the color of the rest of the tooth. Porcelain is also highly stain resistant.

• Silver amalgam, which is comprised of mercury mixed with tin, zinc, silver and copper. These are the most noticeable variety of filling, but also the least expensive.

• Composite resin, which is a material made from a combination of plastic and glass. Again, composite resin fillings are tooth-colored and very discreet. However, they can become stained over time and do not last as long as other types of filling material, with a lifespan of between 3 and 10 years.

Are silver amalgam fillings safe?

Despite the fact that silver amalgam has long been considered the go-to material for cavity fillings, there has been some concern over the safety profile of these restorations. This is because they contain small amounts of elemental mercury. Mercury can cause harm to the body when we are exposed to high levels. However, many studies on the safety of amalgam fillings have been performed, and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have found that the levels of mercury in silver amalgam fillings are so low, there is no need to limit the use of this solution. Millions of people still have silver amalgam fillings with no ill effects, and it is still commonly used amongst patients who are looking for a budget-friendly way to repair damage caused by dental decay.

If you are experiencing toothache that you think may be caused by dental decay, or if you have a current filling that requires replacing, our experienced dentistry team would be happy to help. Contact us today to obtain more information about dental fillings or to schedule an appointment to have your smile assessed.