Are Silver Fillings Still Safe?

Also known as silver fillings, amalgam fillings have been used to treat cavities for more than a century. However, composite fillings have become a popular alternative to silver fillings thanks to their durability, safety and enamel-colored aesthetic. To address any concerns you may have about amalgam filling safety and help you decide if replacing your silver fillings is right for you, here are some of the pros and cons of silver vs composite fillings.

Silver vs. Composite Fillings: Pros and Cons

While composite fillings have become the more common filling material for most dentists, you may want to consider the merits of both materials when treating your cavities.

• Composite Fillings

  Tooth-colored composite fillings are made of resin, providing a durable material that can fill both large and small cavities. The color can be matched to your teeth, making the filling easy to blend with your natural smile — a major advantage of composite over silver fillings. Other benefits include their compound bounds, which make composite fillings sturdier and less susceptible to temperature changes. The main drawback to composite fillings is that they only last between 5-7 years, which is about half the lifespan of silver. The placement process can also take longer, which can be difficult in patients with dental anxiety. Finally, composite fillings can also be more expensive than silver.

• Amalgam Fillings

  Silver fillings have traditionally been seen as a durable, cost-effective filling material that hardens fast. The main advantage of amalgam fillings is their longevity. With proper dental care, silver fillings can last decades. It’s also easier to fill larger cavities with this material. Amalgam’s cost-effectiveness can also be very beneficial to patients on a budget. One of the biggest disadvantages of silver fillings is their aesthetic. The silver color is easily noticeable and the material can irritate patients with existing metal allergies.

Amalgam Filling Safety: Should They Be Replaced?

Those with old amalgam fillings may have concerns over their noticeability, safety and long term effectiveness. While amalgam fillings consist of several metals, including silver, tin, copper and mercury, overall, the FDA considers amalgam fillings safe for adults and children over the age of six. However, if your amalgam fillings are showing signs of wear, causing discomfort or damaging your teeth, check with your local dentist to discuss if it’s time to get replacement fillings.

Keep Your Smile Healthy with Your Leesburg Dentist

For more than 20 years, Eddie Orobitg, D.M.D. has provided the Leesburg area with quality dental checkups and restorative procedures. To schedule your appointment, call our offices at 352-787-5919.