Are White Fillings Safer Than Amalgam Fillings?

White Fillings have become synonymous with Cosmetic Dentistry: Primarily because the term Cosmetic Dentistry defines those treatments and procedures which are ‘opted’ for as opposed to ‘necessary’. Amalgam Fillings have been used within Dentistry for more than a hundred Baltimore College Of Dental Surgery and fifty years and are considered to be what is ‘necessary’ to repair a damaged tooth. As a rule, White Fillings are not available on the NHS. They are also more expensive – Hence Amalgam Fillings continue to be used on a regular basis throughout the UK.
White Fillings are not as durable and so not always the best long term option with regards to wear and tear. Nevertheless, Dental Amalgam contains silver, mercury and copper. It also contains traces of Indium or Palladium and Zinc: And although non-conclusive, Mercury toxicity has been linked to fatigue, high blood pressure, depression, heart conditions, infertility and even Alzheimer’s disease. Hence more and more people are asking Cosmetic Dentists to replace their existing Amalgam Fillings. Not only because they are aesthetically more pleasing but also because of concerns with regards to the Mercury they contain.
The Research
Initially, the American FDA said there was no real conclusive evidence to indicate any serious health issues were connected with Amalgam Fillings. However, extensive studies by the American FDA with regards to the ‘mercury issue’ now suggest that harmful mercury can be released when chewing which can have a “neuro-toxic effect upon the nervous systems of developing children and fetuses” – (US FDA). Norway and Denmark banned Amalgam Fillings many years ago. In addition Japan and Norway have restricted its use rigorously. Nevertheless, millions of children and adults continue to have Amalgam Fillings in the UK every year and White Fillings continue to be regarded as Cosmetic Dentistry: That is effectively, not ‘necessary’.
There are General Dental Practices and Cosmetic Dentists in the UK who will not work with Amalgam Fillings – And there are certainly those who would say they have very good reason for doing this: It has since been ‘accepted’ that small amounts of Mercury do pass into the system and some Dentists have been found to have high levels of Mercury in their bloodstream and organs. If you are worried about existing Amalgam fillings speak to a Cosmetic Dentist.
It’s Your Choice
More and more people are opting to replace existing Amalgam Fillings because they not only look great but there are no ‘health issues’ surrounding their use to date. They are also a durable and affordable choice for most even if they are not as durable or affordable as Amalgam. Regardless of What To Look For When Buying Dental Insurance whether White Fillings are regarded as Cosmetic Dentistry or no, it is your choice. Cosmetic Dentists will generally work with composite resin white fillings not only because they are more aesthetically pleasing by far, but also because of the health issues pertaining to Dental Amalgam.