Jan, in view of the fact that I don’t have the benefit of examining you; I can only offer general information regarding fillings. Most fillings older than 10 years are likely amalgams {a mixture of Silver, Mercury, Tin and Copper}. This material is mixed together and is tightly packed into the cavity preparation; the dentist then carves it to fit your tooth. This material and procedure dates back to the early 1800’s. There is no question amalgam has served us well, the material is relatively inexpensive and the procedure itself is not particularly technique sensitive or time consuming.

 

However I am of the opinion that the new composite filling materials  health risks associated with mercury.

As stated above amalgam as a filling material served us well but was not without drawbacks. A list of possible problems with amalgam; it expands and contracts, and often acts like a wedge and cracks a tooth, and amalgam darkens with age. Another potential problem occurs during the procedure when amalgam is pressed into the cavity preparation, there tends to be a gap between the tooth structure and the amalgam filling material. This gap allows bacteria to enter between the filling and the tooth structure, which then starts the decay process and if not caught in time a root canal procedure.

 

While it is true, the new composite filling material is more expensive, takes substantially more chair time, and is technique sensitive; in my opinion the finished restoration is both cosmetically and functionally superior, my advice spend the extra money.

It is important to note an absence of pain doesn’t necessarilymeanthere isn’t an underlying problem.Taking care of a cracked filling or a filling that has an open margin before it causes you pain will save you time and money in the long run.  

Jan hope this information helps you make an informed decision.

 

Better smiles for all

Dr. John J. Russo