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We offer answers to some frequently asked questions.

Question I have a lot of black (Amalgam) fillings. Do I need to have them replaced ?

Answer As a general rule, existing well fitting amalgam fillings do not NEED to be replaced, however, due to the continued oxidation of non-precious fillings, cracks and micro cracks WILL occur over time causing enamel fractures on the visible portion of the tooth as well as microcracks running down into the non visible (dental) portion of the tooth. These cracks can and often do cause tooth pain when the crack gets close to the nerve inside the tooth, requiring root canal treatment.

Question What are my choices regarding the amalgam fillings in my mouth ?

Answer Since the material of choice is currently a non metallic filling comprised of bonded resins which do not oxidize, if the silver fillings are failing they can be changed to this material which will also strengthen the restored tooth by over 50%. If they are not failing, careful observation of the integrity of the filling during check up visits is recommended. To avoid the potential for cracks to occur, replacement of these fillings prior to failure and crack dissemination is another choice.

Question What's so bad about amalgam fillings anyway?

Answer Amalgam fillings were a fine restoration when there were limited other options available. These old fillings contain mercury, which is a potent neurotoxin, which has been demonstrated in all scientific studies to emit mercury vapor during chewing cycles, thereby getting into the system, potentially causing harm to tissue. Some people are very sensitive to this material while there are others who are not. Since it is a well-documented neuro toxin, we have not utilized this material in our practice for over 30 years.This material is also a space filler, adding only 10% strength to the tooth after is restored, where bonded restorations "weld" the tooth surfaces to the filling material giving back up to 90% of the original tooth strength in ideal situations. Lastly, this material stains tooth structures black and when they oxidize, create a poor cosmetic result.

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Question	I have a lot of black (Amalgam) fillings. Do I need to have them replaced ?
Answer	As a general rule, existing well fitting amalgam fillings do not NEED to be replaced, however, due to the continued oxidation of non-precious fillings, cracks and micro cracks WILL occur over time causing enamel fractures on the visible portion of the tooth as well as microcracks running down into the non visible (dental) portion of the tooth. These cracks can and often do cause tooth pain when the crack gets close to the nerve inside the tooth, requiring root canal treatment.
Question	What are my choices regarding the amalgam fillings in my mouth ?
Answer	Since the material of choice is currently a non metallic filling comprised of bonded resins which do not oxidize, if the silver fillings are failing they can be changed to this material which will also strengthen the restored tooth by over 50%. If they are not failing, careful observation of the integrity of the filling during check up visits is recommended. To avoid the potential for cracks to occur, replacement of these fillings prior to failure and crack dissemination is another choice.
Question	What's so bad about amalgam fillings anyway?
Answer	Amalgam fillings were a fine restoration when there were limited other options available. These old fillings contain mercury, which is a potent neurotoxin, which has been demonstrated in all scientific studies to emit mercury vapor during chewing cycles, thereby getting into the system, potentially causing harm to tissue. Some people are very sensitive to this material while there are others who are not. Since it is a well-documented neuro toxin, we have not utilized this material in our practice for over 30 years.This material is also a space filler, adding only 10% strength to the tooth after is restored, where bonded restorations "weld" the tooth surfaces to the filling material giving back up to 90% of the original tooth strength in ideal situations. Lastly, this material stains tooth structures black and when they oxidize, create a poor cosmetic result.