The earliest dental fillings, which were found in modern-day Slovenia, were made of beeswax and date back approximately 6500 years. In the early 19th century, British dentists developed an amalgam specifically for the repair of damaged teeth. American dentists were using amalgam fillings, which were made from a mixture of silver, mercury, and other metals, by the 1840s. In the 20th century, some began questioning whether having mercury (a known toxin) present in the mouth was a good idea. A controversy about metal dental fillings has ensued ever since. Today, we’re looking at how science weighs in on the metal vs. non-metal dental filling debate.
What Does the Research Say?
According to the Food & Drug Administration, a comprehensive review of the best and most up-to-date research on the topic suggests that metal fillings are safe for and have no long-term health effects on adults or children over age 6. Research on the impact of metal fillings on young children is very limited. However, there are some very impassioned people, including many practicing dentists, who believe that mercury amalgam fillings pose enough of a threat that they should never be placed and people who have them should have them removed and replaced with composite fillings.
Why Dentist’s Prefer Tooth-Colored Fillings
Thanks to the affordability and cosmetic benefits of dental resin, metal fillings are used less and less in modern dentistry, as patients and dentists prefer a more natural look in a restorative material. In addition, anecdotal evidence suggests that metal fillings can expand and contract when exposed to extreme temperature changes. Finally, the debate continues to rage regarding whether amalgam, which contains a small amount of mercury, is a safe material to have in the mouth.
Composite resin has become the industry standard for dental fillings over past decade. Many dentists choose not to offer amalgam fillings at all. Of course, no matter what type of filling you need, the important thing is to just get that cavity filled! Even if it doesn’t hurt, once a cavity starts, it’s not going to get any better on its own. Getting that cavity filled at the earliest possible point is your best bet for maintaining good oral health.
