Why don dentists use Silver Fillings anymore?
Silver fillings do not bond (stick) to the tooth structure. This requires the preparation to be “undercut,” creating a chamber that is smaller at the surface of the tooth and wider inside. The problem is that the creation of this undercut requires the removal of more healthy tooth structure than is necessary. This weakens the tooth and predisposes it to fracture when biting into hard items. Since fillings will break down from normal wear, they will eventually need to be replaced, and this will require the removal of even more healthy tooth structure. Silver fillings also contain some mercury and we do know that mercury is a highly toxic material that can cause neurological and kidney disease. Adults and children have even been warned to limit the consumption of certain types of fish that carry high levels of environmental mercury. Even if there are no direct risks to patients, the extensive use of mercury in fillings may have a long term environmental impact.
