Amalgam Fillings in Hilliard, OH

Please note we may not offer this service at our Hilliard office. Please call (614) 771-6060 to learn more. 

Key Takeaways

• Dental amalgam fillings have decreased by 73% since 2017, now accounting for less than 6% of all dental restorations.
• Mercury exposure from intact amalgam fillings is considered safe by the American Dental Association and the FDA.
• Composite resin fillings have become the preferred alternative dental restoration material due to their aesthetic appeal.
• Amalgam removal should only be performed by qualified dental professionals using proper safety protocols.
• Hilliard residents have access to modern alternative dental restoration materials at local dental practices.

Durable Dental Treatment for Cavities

If you’re searching for a dentist near you in Hilliard, OH, you may have questions about existing amalgam fillings or alternative dental restoration materials. Amalgam fillings, commonly known as silver fillings, have served patients for over a century as a durable solution for tooth decay. However, the rate of amalgam fillings has decreased from 21.5 percent of fillings in 2017 to 5.7 percent of fillings in 2022, reflecting modern dental trends toward more aesthetic options.

Our Hilliard restorative dentist provides comprehensive information about dental amalgam below. If you need to schedule an appointment with our team, call our dental clinic in Hilliard today at (614) 771-6060. While we don’t offer amalgam fillings, we do offer advanced composite dental fillings at our dental practice. We proudly serve patients in Columbus, Dublin, Upper Arlington, Grove City, Westerville, and surrounding Central Ohio communities.

What Are Amalgam Fillings?

Dental amalgam fillings are restorations used to repair cavities, tooth decay, and damaged tooth structure. They consist of a dental amalgam alloy containing:

Composition of Dental Amalgam Alloy

• Elemental mercury (approximately 50%): Acts as a liquid mercury binding agent
• Silver (approximately 22 to 32%): Provides strength and durability
• Tin (approximately 14%): Enhances workability
• Copper (approximately 8 to 12%): Improves corrosion resistance in high copper alloys
• Trace amounts of other metals: Additional strengthening components

The mixing of liquid mercury with silver, tin, and copper creates a durable dental restorative material that hardens within minutes of placement.

Benefits of Amalgam Restorations

Despite the shift toward composite resin versus amalgam, dental amalgam restorations offer several advantages:

• Exceptional Durability: Strong and long-lasting, so they are less likely to break than some other types of fillings, making them ideal for permanent posterior teeth.
• Cost-Effectiveness: Traditional amalgam fillings remain more affordable than many alternative dental restoration materials, making quality dental treatment accessible.
• Superior Load-Bearing: Amalgam restorations excel in adult posterior teeth where chewing forces are greatest.
• Longevity: With proper oral health maintenance, these dental restorations can last 10 to 15 years or longer.
• Clinical Reliability: Dental professionals find amalgam placement straightforward, even in challenging moisture conditions.

Potential Concerns with Dental Amalgam

Modern patients often seek a dentist near them to discuss amalgam-related concerns:

• Aesthetic Limitations: The metallic appearance of silver fillings contrasts noticeably with natural tooth structure.
• Mercury Vapor Released: Small amounts of mercury vapor are released during chewing, though levels remain well below safety thresholds established by health organizations.
• Thermal Expansion: Temperature changes can cause expansion and contraction, potentially affecting the seal over time.
• Allergic Reactions: Rare sensitivity to amalgam components may occur, requiring alternative dental restoration materials.
• Environmental Considerations: Proper amalgam waste management through amalgam separators is required in dental offices to prevent environmental mercury contamination.

The Amalgam Placement Process

For patients with existing amalgam fillings, understanding the original placement process helps appreciate the restoration:

1. Tooth preparation involves the removal of decayed tooth structure, isolation to maintain dry working conditions, and preparation of cavity margins.
2. Amalgam is mixed by combining the dental amalgam alloy with liquid mercury, then carefully packed into the prepared cavity, ensuring proper adaptation to the tooth structure.
3. Final shaping and polishing involve contouring to restore natural tooth anatomy, polishing to minimize surface roughness, and bite adjustment for proper occlusion.

Cost Considerations for Amalgam Fillings

Patients can expect amalgam filling costs between $50 and $150 per restoration. Factors affecting pricing include:

• Cavity size and complexity
• Location within the mouth
• Geographic location of dental practice
• Dental insurance coverage

Most dental insurance plans provide coverage for amalgam restorations, though many patients now prefer investing in composite resin fillings for improved aesthetics.

Safety of Dental Amalgam: What the Research Shows

The safety of mercury in dental amalgam has undergone extensive evaluation:

• Regulatory Oversight: The American Dental Association, World Health Organization, and Environmental Protection Agency have established safety guidelines for dental amalgam use.
• Mercury Exposure Levels: Studies consistently show mercury levels from intact amalgam fillings remain below toxic thresholds for adverse health effects.
• Special Populations: Pregnant women and individuals with pre-existing neurological disease may be advised to avoid new amalgam placement, though existing restorations typically don’t require removal.
• Research Evidence: Randomized controlled trials, including the England Children’s Amalgam Trial, demonstrate the safety profile of dental amalgam in most patients.

When and Why You May Need Amalgam Removal

Hilliard patients may consider amalgam removal for several reasons:

• Cosmetic Enhancement: Many patients prefer tooth-colored composite resins that blend seamlessly with natural tooth structure.
• Restoration Failure: Worn, cracked, or broken amalgam fillings require replacement to prevent further tooth decay.
• Mercury Concerns: While scientific evidence supports amalgam safety, some patients choose removal for peace of mind.
• Important Safety Note: Amalgam removal temporarily increases mercury vapor exposure during the removal process. Only qualified dental professionals should perform this procedure using proper safety protocols.

If you need to remove your silver fillings, call our dental office in Hilliard today at (614) 771-6060 to schedule an appointment.

Modern Alternatives: Direct Composite Resin Fillings

Resin-based composite fillings are particularly in demand due to their aesthetic appeal and enhanced durability compared to traditional materials such as amalgam. These alternative dental restoration materials offer:

• Natural Appearance: Composite resins match natural tooth color
• Conservative Preparation: Less healthy tooth structure removal is required
• Bonded Restoration: Direct bonding to tooth structure
• Versatility: Suitable for both anterior and posterior applications