For over 150 years, amalgam (made of silver) has been used to fill the cavities in the teeth of people all over the world. Many dental practices have embraced the aesthetics, consistency, and durability of tooth-colored composite materials over the recent years. People who are highly concerned with their health and/or the environment see composite fillings as superior to amalgam in terms of the impact on the earth. However, mercury poisoning remains the biggest catalyst for people who opt to replace their old silver fillings.
Mercury Concerns
Amalgam fillings can be dated back to the 1830s. Invented by brothers from France, the original name of the silver fillings was royal mineral succedaneum. During this period, gold had been the most often used filling material, which left a lot of patients out since it was so expensive. Royal mineral succedaneum (amalgam) took off and became the new standard for dental restorations in upstate New York area. However, concerns of mercury poisoning in amalgam existed even back then. In fact, the American Society of Dental Surgeons (ASDS) ruined the brother’s business by telling members to ban amalgam material in dental fillings. While mercury concerns have lasted for almost a century, the truth is that mercury poisoning was not seen at the time in any dental filling patients. Once the collective fears calmed, amalgam made a come-back as the primary filling material for cavities.
Amalgam Fillings in the Modern Day
Some people carry on the discomfort and concerns over the amount of mercury in amalgam materials. Even though the trace quantity of actual mercury in a small filling is unlikely to ever cause poisoning problems, there are other issues with amalgam fillings. Metal of any kind can contract and expand when temperatures change, often leading to cracks and fractures in teeth with amalgam fillings. Many patients decide to replace amalgam fillings before any such damage is incurred. Ceramic or tooth-colored composite-resin materials add a cosmetic slant to restorative dental work
ABOUT YOUR VERNON HILLS DENTIST:
Dr. Brent Engelberg and his highly-skilled team proudly serve patients and their families from Arlington Heights, IL, and all surrounding communities, including; Northbrook, Deerfield, Highland Park, Wilmette, Winnetka, Glencoe, Vernon Hills, Lincolnshire, Libertyville, Skokie, Evanston, Palatine, Schaumburg, Elk Grove Village, Rolling Meadows, and the Northern and Northwest Chicago Suburbs. To learn more, schedule a consultation online, or call our office today at 847-259-8030.
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