Who Wants a Black Filling? White Filling vs. Silver Amalgam
Ever wonder what old “silver” or “amalgam” fillings look like after a few years in your mouth? While these metal restorations were the industry standard for decades, they leave a lot to be desired by today’s dental standards.
If you have old fillings that are starting to darken, you might be wondering why they turn black, or whether they are still safe, and what your options are for a healthier, more natural-looking smile.
What is a Traditional Silver Amalgam Filling?
Dental fillings were created decades ago to allow dentists to fix teeth that were decayed. Amalgam fillings—often called silver fillings—served that purpose very economically. Made from a mixture of metals, including silver, tin, copper, and liquid mercury, silver fillings remained as a go-to option for filling a tooth for a long time.
For generations, amalgam fillings provided an economical solution to fixing a cavity. However, while a lot of scientific findings at that time were used in creating the material, these silver fillings pose several major problems for your long-term oral health.
The Hidden Risks of Metal Fillings over Time
Silver fillings start oxidizing and turning black after exposure to fluids and bacteria in the mouth. Over time, this leads to the filling slowly turning black. Not only that, this black stain then stains the adjacent tooth structure and other teeth.. This is obvious to anyone, not just dentists. They leak and stain the tooth structure around them. Looking at the photo you can see the gray shadows that are spreading out from the filling inside the tooth. They also cause teeth to break prematurely. Because of their metallic nature, they expand and contract differently than enamel and dentin when exposed to high and low temperatures. Because of this difference in expansion and contraction rate, they place a lot of extra stress on the tooth.
The Mercury in Silver Fillings
Silver fillings also contain a small amount of mercury, a highly potent neurotoxin that primarily harms the central nervous system. Patients with silver fillings can inhale (e.g., breathe in) vapor released during chewing, grinding, or drinking hot liquids. This continual exposure to mercury fumes can lead to the following problems over time:
- Chronic Vapor Inhalation: Tremors, headaches, insomnia, and mood changes (irritability, anxiety, shyness).
- Organ Accumulation: Accumulates over decades in the brain, kidneys, and liver.
- Subclinical Toxicity: Kidney dysfunction, immune system changes, and chronic fatigue.
Modern Alternatives: The Benefits of Tooth-Colored White Fillings
The picture here shows what fillings look like. White fillings are not just more esthetic and natural-looking. They behave more like the tooth structure they are replacing, making teeth less likely to fracture. Also, these white fillings are bonded to the teeth chemically. This helps solidify the tooth as a unit, instead of having something lodged in the center of the tooth causing it to split over time. These white fillings are also easier to repair and maintain compared to a silver filling.
Why Composite White Fillings Protect Your Restored Teeth
The next time you are given a choice between a silver filling and a white filling, you’ll be better prepared to choose the white filling knowing it is a better material that not only looks better but is better for the health of the tooth. At Platinum Dental, Inc. we only use white fillings when a filling is necessary. Follow this link to learn more about white fillings.
Do You Need to Replace Your Silver Fillings?
When it comes to having a new filling, the choice is clear. Opt for the bonded white filling. Replacing your existing silver filling, though, should only be done if medically necessary. For example, if the filling is already cracked, or if the supporting tooth structure is chipped, this indicates medical necessity. Another example is if you are suffering any of the other related symptoms to mercury toxicity and you want to minimize your exposure and risk.
You, as a patient, can always request to have your silver fillings replaced, even though they may not be causing you any problem. Your dentist will always review your risk factors with you directly for opting for this elective procedure.
Concerned about your old silver fillings?
Contact us today and our doctor will help you decide the best course of action.
Frequently Asked Questions
On average, composite white fillings last between 7 to 10 years. Their lifespan depends heavily on your oral hygiene habits, the location of the filling in your mouth, and whether you suffer from teeth grinding (bruxism).
Yes, replacing them is completely safe when performed by an experienced professional. At Platinum Dental, we follow strict safety protocols to safely isolate the tooth, minimize your exposure to residual mercury vapors, and cleanly remove the old metal restoration.
Most dental insurance plans cover white fillings, though some may only pay up to the cost of a traditional silver filling on back molars. Our San Marcos team will run a complimentary benefits check for you, and we also offer an In-House Insurance plan for patients without coverage.
Silver amalgam fillings contain a mix of metals that corrode and oxidize over time due to exposure to moisture, foods, and oral bacteria. This chemical reaction turns the filling black and can cause a gray shadow to stain your surrounding healthy enamel.
No, the procedure is entirely comfortable. We thoroughly numb the area with a local anesthetic before removing any decay, and we offer dental sedation options—including nitrous oxide—to ensure a completely relaxed, stress-free experience.
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