Should You Replace Your Amalgam Fillings with Composite Resin?

For many years, silver amalgam fillings were the go-to treatment for cavities. Recently, more dentists have been turning to composite resin fillings to treat decay for safety and aesthetics. If you currently have silver amalgam fillings, you may wonder if you should replace them with composite resin. An exam and consultation with Dr. Glenn MacFarlane from The Center for Holistic Dental Medicine, Red Bank, New Jersey, can help you make a knowledgeable decision.

WHAT’S WRONG WITH AMALGAM FILLINGS?

The metal composition and mercury content of amalgam fillings can pose a health risk to some people. In addition to silver, amalgam fillings contain nickel, tin, mercury, and other metals, which could trigger reactions in people with metal allergies. You may also be concerned about having mercury in your mouth, as it’s potentially harmful.

In contrast, BPA-Free composite resin fillings are composed of an acrylic resin material that is safe for your teeth and poses no risk to your health. Composite fillings come with additional benefits as well:

• Composite resin is a resilient material that will give you years of quality use in a filling. This same resin can be used to repair minor chips or cracks in your teeth.
• Composite fillings are tooth-colored and can be matched to the shade of your natural teeth, making them less noticeable when you smile.
• Composite resin bonds well with your tooth enamel and can strengthen teeth that have weakened due to cavities.
• Composite fillings require less drilling, so you retain more of your natural tooth structure when treating cavities.

SHOULD YOU REPLACE AMALGAM FILLINGS?

Most dental fillings need replacement after some time due to wear and tear. If your amalgam fillings are relatively new and functioning properly, you may want to wait to replace them. Dr. Glenn MacFarlane will evaluate your situation and recommend the best time for amalgam removal. Suppose your silver fillings are old, fractured, damaged, or deteriorating, no longer providing the protection you need. In that case, we recommend replacing them immediately to reduce the risk of future decay.

Talk to Dr. Glenn MacFarlane about our SMART amalgam removal process if you wish to remove your amalgam fillings for aesthetic, health, or functional reasons. We’ll discuss how these fillings will be removed so you’ll know what to expect and answer any questions concerning amalgam removal risks. Working with an experienced dentist for amalgam removal ensures the work is done safely and effectively. Once these fillings have been removed, Dr. MacFarlane will replace them with BPA-Free composite resin fillings to protect your teeth against future decay.

AMALGAM REMOVAL SERVICES NEAR ME

At The Center for Holistic Dental Medicine, your oral health is important to us. That’s why we offer modern dentistry procedures, like amalgam removal, that can improve the health and quality of your teeth. To learn more about our amalgam removal process and how it can benefit you, contact Dr. Glenn MacFarlane, who holds a certification as a SMART dentist through the IAOMT. See this attached link about the SMART process. https://iaomt.org/resources/safe-removal-amalgam-fillings/?cn-reloaded=1. Call (732) 517-7785 to schedule an appointment.