The Truth About Amalgam and Composite Fillings

By Gary Patrick | Published on September 21, 2011 | 0 Comments

For years, a debate has raged on about the benefits and drawbacks of the various materials that are used to make dental fillings. According to Peoria dentist Dr. Gary Patrick of Desert Oasis Family Dentistry there are pros and cons to both composite and amalgam materials.

By far, the biggest advantage – and possibly the only advantage – that composite fillings have over amalgam fillings is that they are tooth colored. Esthetically, that is a great improvement over the silver amalgam fillings that people were used to seeing before composite was introduced. Esthetically, the Peoria dentist says that nothing can beat composite.

However, Dr. Patrick goes on to explain that amalgam is considered to be a more superior material to composite for a number of reasons. No. 1, amalgam makes better contact with the adjacent teeth. This is important in cases where a patient has a cavity that goes between teeth.

Another important factor is longevity. Amalgam fillings are thought to be superior to composite because they tend to last longer. A lot of people who got silver fillings 30 or 40 years ago still have those fillings in their mouths, and Dr. Patrick says he is not sure whether composite will have the same track record on the posterior teeth.

The concern with first generation composite fillings is that they may not last as long as silver fillings. The first generation of patients with composite fillings is mostly made up of dentists who started getting them on the anterior and posterior teeth approximately 10 to 15 years ago. Only time will tell how these fillings hold up, says Dr. Patrick.

So far, there has not been any real evidence of people being allergic to silver amalgam fillings. The tests have shown that the mercury in silver fillings is not harmful or toxic to anybody in any way, and the Peoria dentist says that information comes directly from the American Dental Association. At his practice in Peoria, the dentist offers both composite and amalgam fillings to patients. Dr. Patrick would never tell a patient that taking out an older silver filling and replacing it with a white filling would cure any illness – mainly because there is no fact behind the assertion that mercury is fillings are making people sick.

Dr. Patrick says that 90% of the fillings that he does these days are composite fillings – mainly because patients want white teeth for esthetic reasons. Esthetics aside, however, Dr. Patrick says that silver amalgam fillings are perhaps superior for all of the aforementioned reasons, besides esthetics.

*Disclaimer: The information on this website is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your healthcare provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate healthcare provider.

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