Do you use metal fillings?

Amalgam (metal filling) is used in dentistry for more than 150 years. Ingredients: 50% liquid mercury and 50% metal alloy powder (silver, copper, tin, zinc). The metal fillings, throughout the long period of use, raised a heated debate. In fact, no other material in dentistry was so controversial. We will try to briefly review the supporters and opponents opinions. Supporters argue that this is a very tough, durable, inexpensive tooth filling that can withstand high masticatory load.  After metal filling is mixed, mercury becomes inactive, and the amount released is too low to cause a measurable effect to human body, so the material is considered to be safe.

Recently, amalgams have been improved changing the metal component ratio (increased copper content) also chemical bonding has been invented to improve the retention. There is no reliable scientific evidence to support these fillings’ harmfulness to the body. Such long-term amalgam use and popularity is undoubtedly the guarantee of the quality. Opponents believe that mercury, that is one of the ingredients of the metal fillings, is the most toxic non-radioactive element. In addition, mercury is the most volatile of all metals, it is tasteless and odorless. A metal filling releases a constant amount of mercury (1-29mg per day; 10mg per day is considered a safe amount). Even small amounts are dangerous, because the element is extremely toxic. The amount of mercury released depends on the amalgam mixture composition, quality and localization of the filling (occlusal or other surface). The higher amount of mercury is released when taking hot food and drinks, chewing, brushing teeth. Mercury builds up in various human organs (mainly - in the brain, thus being neurotoxic and damaging it). Various studies showed the relation between mercury build up in human organism and many neurological (Alzheimer's, Parkinson's disease, autism) and autoimmune diseases (systemic lupus erythematosus, multiple sclerosis).

All causes and launching mechanisms of these diseases have not been fully elucidated so far. An exact amount of mercury in human body still cannot be measured accurately today. Blood and urine, as well as hair studies do not show the actual amount (after acute poisoning it is possible to observe a more pronounced increase). Mercury accumulates in the organs of the body and is released very slowly. All current research shows only trends. Amalgam does not bond chemically with tooth tissues (the attempts to use chemical bonds are controversial), therefore tooth must be prepared to form mechanical retention for the filling, unfortunately such preparation often weakens the tooth. Modern composite fillings bonds chemically with the tooth and eradicates the necessity to form mechanical retention.

We are on neither side, proving the safety or hazard of amalgam is scientists’ work. However, being cosmetic dentists, we do not use metal fillings because of their poor esthetics. The emergence of new materials in dentistry not only allows dentists to restore teeth esthetically, but also guarantees the required strength.