Silver-Mercury Fillings

What are they?

A filling replaces part of a tooth that has been lost because of decay or through accidental damage. 'Silver' fillings are made of amalgam - a mixture of mercury with silver, tin and sometimes copper.

What will my dentist do?

Your dentist will:

• Numb the area around the tooth;

• Remove any decay, together with any old filling;

• Remove any weak part of the tooth which might break later;

• Shape the hole so that the tooth holds the filling in place;

• Sometimes use tiny pins and screws to help hold the tooth and filling together (for a larger filling);

• Put a lining underneath the filling if it is very deep, to make the tooth less sensitive to temperature changes;

• Press soft amalgam tightly into the hole - you might hear a squeak as it goes in;

• Carve the filling to fit into the hole in the tooth (the dentist might put a thin metal band around the tooth while they are doing this to keep the amalgam in place while it is still soft);

• Ask you to close your mouth gently on the filling to check that it is the right height and is comfortable; and

• Polish the filling at the next visit, when it is completely hard.

What are the benefits?

• A filling rebuilds the tooth so you can chew.

• If decay is left unchecked, it can eat into the tooth and cause pain. The tooth might then have to be 'root filled' or taken out.

• A filling can end toothache or prevent toothache developing,

Amalgam is soft and mouldable at first but quickly becomes very hard. Silver fillings are very strong so they can be ideal for back teeth where there is heavy wear from chewing.
What are the risks?
Amalgam contains mercury, which is a workplace risk to the staff, and is considered by many a risk in the body.

At 1st Impressions Dental Service we do not offer amalgam fillings.