Top Reasons to Replace Your Amalgam Fillings

Do you have any existing amalgam fillings? Here are five reasons why our Calgary holistic dentists suggest removing your silver-coloured fillings and replacing them with more biocompatible and non-toxic alternatives.

For many years, dentists have been using silver amalgam fillings to repair cavities. However, studies have shown that this material, which is composed of approximately 50 per cent mercury, can potentially have harmful effects on your oral and overall health. 

Our Calgary holistic dentists provide safe mercury removal services and use only mercury-free dental fillings because exposure to large amounts of mercury has been linked to an increased risk of: 

• Autoimmune disorders 
• Parkinson’s disease
• Multiple sclerosis 
• Reproductive dysfunction
• Alzheimer’s disease 

We Can Help Remove Your Mercury Fillings and Replace Them With a Biocompatible Alternative 

Mercury is not a safe material and when it is placed in the mouth, it can result in toxicity. If you have an existing silver amalgam filling, talk to your Calgary holistic dentist about removing and replacing it in a safe and effective manner. 

Our Calgary Holistic Dentists Help Protect Your Oral and Overall Well-Being

At Dr. Korol Dental clinic, our team of professional and friendly holistic dentists can help you achieve optimal oral and overall health by using only the safest and most biocompatible materials for all your dental treatments. 

If you have an amalgam filling and you want to remove and replace it, we follow the safest amalgam removal procedures set up by the International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology (IAMOT) and offer alternative filling options, including composite dental fillings, to keep your mouth and body healthy. 

Want to know more? 

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5 Reasons to Replace Your Amalgam Fillings 

At one point, amalgam fillings were the only option if you required a dental filling so it’s very likely that if you are over the age of 30, you have at least one of those old silver fillings. At Dr. Korol Dental clinic, we don’t offer metal amalgam fillings, partly due to the health risks associated with them, but also because composite fillings function and look much better. 

While we use these biocompatible fillings for patients who have new cavities, there are also requests from patients who want to replace their old amalgam fillings with composite ones. 

If you are considering this, here are five reasons why you should replace your old metal fillings: 

1. Amalgam fillings have a limited lifespan.
The lifespan of an amalgam filling is approximately 10 years. Over this time, the filling will start to wear away, exposing areas where bacteria can sneak in and start causing tooth decay. Have your old fillings checked out by your holistic dentist to see if they are due for a replacement or if they are leaking.

2. You’ll protect your teeth from cracks.
Mercury is responsive to temperature changes, which means that your amalgam fillings will expand and contract over time. These ongoing contractions weaken your tooth and make it more susceptible to cracking. Your tooth will also be more vulnerable to decay because the space that forms between the metal filling and your tooth is a perfect place for bacteria to accumulate.

3. Amalgam fillings contain mercury.
Around 50 per cent of a metal filling is composed of mercury, which could pose a potential health risk to some patients. While ongoing research and debate continue regarding this topic, biocompatible fillings will give you total peace of mind, knowing that your oral and overall health is protected.

4 BENEFITS OF OPTING FOR BIOCOMPATIBLE RESTORATIONS

4. Composite fillings are more durable.
Composite fillings are stronger than amalgam ones because they bond to the tooth better and they don’t require as much of your tooth to be drilled away, meaning that it can stay stronger for longer.

5. Improved aesthetic appearance.
When you smile or laugh, your amalgam fillings will be highly noticeable. On the other hand, composite fillings are tooth-coloured and made to match the look of  your natural teeth, making them virtually invisible. This will boost your aesthetic appearance and self-confidence.

Contact Us 

To find out more about the costs and benefits of our composite dental fillings and how our holistic dentists can help you achieve optimal oral health while protecting your overall well-being, contact us at 403-245-9099 or fill in our online contact form.

FAQS 

1. What are the different types of dental fillings available? In the past, the most common type of filling was a mercury amalgam filling. However today, more and more patients are opting for toot-colored composite resin. 
2. How can I make my filling last? White composite fillings can last for many years if they are taken care of. Some of the things you can do to protect your filling include regulalry visiting your dentist for check-ups, heating a healthy diet, and keeping your mouth clean with regular brushing and flossing.
3. Does the treatment hurt? Getting a filling is a largely painless treatment due to the anesthetic that is used. After the procedure, the treatment area can feel a little tender and bruised, and you may notice that your tooth is sensitive. However, these are just temporary symptoms and they should subside over the next couple of days.