White vs. Silver: which fillings are safer?

Aesthetics aside, there are a few factors you need to keep in mind when selecting the type of material dentists use to repair a tooth, primarily: safety, durability and cost.

Both silver (amalgam) and white fillings are considered safe for use in the mouth, although both have been suspected of health issues. Silver fillings contain mercury. White fillings are polymers that contain phenols.

As for durability, let’s start with silver fillings. They are harder and generally last longer.  Over time however they swell and can crack the supporting tooth structure, which may result in the tooth cracking and then needing a more complex restoration such as an onlay or crown.   Amalgam restorations are less expensive and easier to place.

There are two types of white fillings; the most commonly used is called composite.

When composite is used to restore tooth decay, the filling is typically smaller than a silver filling because it can be bonded directly to the tooth.  It wears more quickly than amalgam, but can often be repaired without removing the entire filling.  In contrast, when a sliver filling fails it almost always requires the complete removal of the entire restoration.

Over time, composite is less likely to cause a tooth to crack.  They are, however, more expensive, in part because they are also more difficult to place in the mouth than silver fillings.

Generally, I recommend composite in any tooth that has new decay because less healthy tooth structure is removed in order to restore the tooth.

Following that, I recommend the patient decide their preference based on cost and aesthetics unless I feel the tooth is susceptible to fracture with a silver filling.

The safest materials used to restore tooth decay are gold and porcelain. Any filling can be done using these materials.  They require two appointments and are much more expensive.

If you require a filling, you and the dentist can determine what material would best suit your needs.

For more information, please contact White Rock Dental at 604.536.7606 Extension 2 to book an appointment at our White Rock-South Surrey clinic.