Are Amalgam Dental Fillings Safe?

Recent advancements in cosmetic dental treatments allow Dr. Kobak to repair teeth, but he also leaves them looking absolutely gorgeous. From crowns to braces, modern dental treatments, technology, and materials make dental work inconspicuous. Existing dental work that looks bulky or obvious can be replaced with natural-looking alternatives. For instance, dark metal, or amalgam, fillings can be replaced with tooth-colored composite resin fillings.

Traditional fillings are made of dental amalgam, a mix of metals that includes the potentially dangerous heavy metal, mercury. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recently chimed in on the debate about the safety of amalgam dental fillings. Citing numerous studies, the FDA determined that dental amalgam is safe to use, but recommends pregnant women, young children, the elderly, and people with known mercury sensitivity avoid amalgam fillings.

While metal amalgam fillings are used in many cases, Dr. Kobak places tooth-colored composite resin fillings instead. These natural looking fillings are made of a plastic, tinted to match the color of a patient’s tooth enamel. Unlike metal fillings, composites won’t leak or change shape with temperature fluctuations. They actually bond to natural tooth structure, making them strong and durable. Composite fillings contain no metal or mercury. They look bright, natural, and beautiful.

I’m Dr. Richard Kobak. If you’re unsure whether you need to replace your metal dental fillings, call my Syosset, NY, dental office and ask about your options. My dental team and I will provide you with an honest evaluation of your situation, and we’ll recommend the best option for your case.