Silver Fillings
An inexpensive way to restore a small amount of tooth decay
The Problem:
- A small amount of decay on a portion of a back tooth
The Solution:
A silver (or amalgam) filling is a mixture of approximately 50% silver/tin alloy and 50% mercury. After tooth decay is removed and cleaned, this gray colored material is packed into the tooth and shaped.
Advantages:
Silver fillings have been used for more than 125 years. Their biggest advantage is that they are quickly placed, making them relatively inexpensive. They are also relatively durable.
Disadvantages:
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. This undercut keeps the filling from falling out of the tooth.
Silver fillings are also a visible silver color some patients find to be unattractive.
Alternatives:
Composite, gold inlays and onlay, porcelain inlays and onlays are all excellent alternatives, limiting the removal of healthy tissue. In cases of extensive decay, inlays/onlays or crowns are a much better restoration.