Amalgam-Free Dentistry

In the past, the options for filling cavities were limited to the use of amalgam forms or inserts. Millions of Australians have had their cavities inserted with amalgam fillings despite the fact that they contain mercury. For the longest time, these metallic objects were tolerated because there were no better alternatives. The other reason is a lack of information in those days about potential mercury leakage from dental amalgam.

Thanks to the advent of modern substitutes like porcelain and composite resins, today’s patients no longer need to put up with amalgam.

To find out more about the non-metal and non-amalgam restorative materials that we use, contact Molonglo Dental Surgery at 02 6287 1222.   

One of the issues with amalgam being used in a tooth filling has to do with its propensity to movement when exposed to temperature changes. Exposed to intense temperature changes – i.e. eating hot/cold foods and beverages – the metal component would shrink or expand, thus causing damage to the tooth in which it was inserted. 

Another problem with temperature changes on metals is that they cause the amalgam fillings to be in a constant state of flux, gradually weakening the metallic insert and making it vulnerable to bacterial infection, decays and cavities. Constant movement of the fillings over time can weaken the organic structure of the tooth.

As such, patients with metal fillings may find themselves in dental predicaments – having cavities or root canal problems – without even realising the cause to be the amalgam fillings in their mouth. 

And then there’s the whole controversy surrounding the mercury…

Unfortunately, Mercury is known as one of the most harmful metals in existence. Even worse, the deadliest form of the metal is in its gaseous state. 

It doesn’t help that the fear of silver colored amalgam fillings is due to its emission of toxic mercury vapors into the mouth on a daily basis. These fillings also break down during grinding, releasing dust vapors that get swallowed or absorbed. Mercury vapour has no distinctive smell thus can be easily inhaled without us ever noticing. Meanwhile, research carried out by the World Health Organization has linked amalgam fillings to the bulk of mercury found in human bodies. 

Although the amount of exposure from dental amalgam is low, these fillings are often left in the mouth for many years raising the concern over potential long-term mercury exposure.

Mercury is linked to a host of health problems, including kidney, immune system and neurological damage. Mercury vapours, metabolized into methyl mercury can pose a significant threat to the human body by inhibiting our cellular ability to create energy and perform vital bodily functions.