I need help with replacing my amalgam fillings

Do I need to upgrade my old metal fillings with a modern alternative?

If you’re concerned about the effect amalgam fillings might have on your health, we can replace them for you.

How do I know if I have amalgam fillings?

Amalgam is a silver metal that was once a popular filling material because of its hard-wearing qualities. While they start out silver, amalgam fillings gradually lose their shine and eventually turn dark grey. In recent years, most dentists have switched to using composite fillings which are the same colour as tooth enamel. If your fillings were done in the 80s or 90s and are a silver-grey colour, then they will be made of amalgam.

Why do I need to replace my amalgam fillings?

Amalgam fillings contain about 50% mercury. Studies have shown that when you chew or grind your teeth, small amounts of mercury vapour are released from the amalgam and absorbed into your bloodstream. Although this amount is considered to be within safe limits, some people may be sensitive to the effects, or have an allergy to mercury. From an aesthetic perspective, amalgam fillings can be unsightly, especially if they are near the front of your mouth and easily visible when you smile or talk. From a mechanical perspective, over a long period of time large amalgam fillings cause fracture propagation in your natural teeth and this can lead to a broken tooth, or worse, needing to have the tooth extracted.

What treatments are available to replace my amalgam fillings?

If you have concerns about your amalgam fillings, we can replace them for you.

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An attractive woman smiles confidently, showing her healthy and strong teeth after a visit to dentist, Dr Dave Richards, of Natural Smile Dental St Heliers, Auckland.
The luxurious, clean, quality Natural Smile Dental clinic in St Heliers, Auckland provides dental and cosmetic services using advanced technology for a stress-free dentist visit.

Common questions about replacing amalgam fillings

  • Deciding to get your amalgam fillings replaced is a personal choice. The FDA has found that amalgam is safe for adults and children over the age of six. However, if you are worried your amalgam fillings are affecting your health, or you just don’t like the look of them, you can opt to have them replaced with white composite fillings instead.

  • Amalgam fillings contain a mixture of mercury, silver, tin, and copper, and may also contain zinc, indium, or palladium. Mercury is the component that makes the filling material flexible. Without it, the amalgam would not be soft enough to press into the dental cavity. Once in place, it hardens quickly and helps to make the filling strong and durable.

  • When we remove your old fillings, we’ll employ techniques that protect you from inhaling or swallowing any amalgam. Then we will restore your teeth using a method of your choice. Many of our patients opt for composite fillings. You may prefer a porcelain restoration, which we can install in a single appointment. We’ll discuss your options with you to help you decide which treatment suits you best.

  • Composite fillings are created from a blend of powdered glass and acrylic resin. They can be tinted to match your teeth almost exactly, making them an excellent choice for visible restorations. Once we’ve filled your tooth, we’ll shape and polish the composite material to ensure a perfect bite and natural look.

  • At Natural Smile, we aim to make every treatment painless and stress-free. We use minimally invasive dental technology to keep you as comfortable as possible. While the procedure should be painless, your teeth may be a little sensitive for a short time afterwards. If you have any concerns, we’re happy to talk them through with you.

  • The cost of replacing your amalgam fillings depends on how many you want to replace, how large the fillings are, and what kind of restoration you would like to replace them with. When you visit us to discuss replacing your fillings, we will give you a quote for your treatment and discuss which payment options will suit you best.