When you have a cavity that needs to be filled, you have several safe options available, including the aesthetically pleasing composite, or white filling. This wasn’t always the case, as dental fillings have been made from various materials that were not the best for the human body. Over time, science has learned how to repair a cavity without harming the body, and effectively restore the tooth.
Table of Contents
- Early Fillings
- Modern Day Amalgam Fillings
- Filling Choices
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Ready for a Healthy Smile?
Early Fillings
Fillings have been used for millennia. The oldest found date back almost 10,000 years, and were discovered in a set of molars located in Pakistan. A recent discovery found that beeswax was used to make a filling for a young man in Italy. This find is estimated to be roughly 6500 years old, and was located in a cave. It is guessed that the man injured his tooth while using it to perform tasks, as was common in that era, as opposed to eating.
During the 19th century (1801-1900), various metals were used to fill cavities in teeth. These included silver, tin, and gold. As the century progressed, the introduction of dental amalgams gained popularity. The amalgams, which by definition are a blend, consisted of copper, tin, silver, and mercury. Within 20 years, concern over the use of mercury arose due to both its ineffectiveness as a filling material, and the health effects on the human body. These effects included mercury poisoning, cancer, and multiple sclerosis.
Modern Day Amalgam Fillings
Given the amount of concern over the original mercury amalgam fillings, modern fillings have been adapted for safety. Generally referred to as “silver fillings”, they still do contain mercury, but it is chemically bound to the other metals, decreasing the amount the body absorbs. The overall amount of exposure to mercury someone experiences in today’s fillings due to regular wear and tear is less than they receive daily through the air, water, and food.
Mercury is still used in fillings as it allows the material used to repair the tooth to become mouldable. It is also strong, and able to endure the stresses of everyday functions. It is also relatively inexpensive when compared to other choices, and is highly durable so it can be used in places other materials cannot. It is quick to apply to the cavity, so it often requires a shorter time at the dentist than other filling options.
Filling Choices
If you prefer to not have an amalgam filling, you have three other choices:
Porcelain
Porcelain fillings resemble real teeth, and are a good option to maintain a natural look on a tooth that is not viable for a composite filling. They are more fragile than other materials though. They are considered indirect fillings, meaning that they are not applied directly to the tooth. Instead, a mould is taken of the tooth that needs to be repaired and sent to a lab. The lab then creates either an inlay or a replacement tooth. Due to the need to send off the mould, indirect fillings require more than one visit to the dentist.
Gold
Gold fillings, like porcelain, are indirect fillings, requiring more than one dental visit to be completed. They are the most expensive option, but they are also one of the longest lasting, and most durable.
Composite (White Filling)
A composite filling is generally made from a mixture of acrylic resin and powdered glass. It can be colour matched to existing teeth, allowing it to blend in with the smile when placed in a visible location. This makes the white filling an appealing choice for a natural look. Once the tooth is prepared, the composite material is applied in layers, and hardened with a special light. When all the layers are complete, the resin is ground to fit the tooth, and then polished to protect against stains and wear. Composite fillings aren’t as strong as those made of metal, so they are most effective in teeth that don’t handle the majority of your chewing. On teeth that are suited for a white filling, the material is capable of restoring up to 90% of the tooth’s original strength.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the earliest known dental fillings?
The oldest dental fillings discovered date back almost 10,000 years and were found in molars in Pakistan. A more recent find in Italy suggests beeswax was used as a filling approximately 6500 years ago.
What materials were used for fillings in the 19th century?
During the 19th century, various metals like silver, tin, and gold were used. Dental amalgams, a blend of copper, tin, silver, and mercury, also gained popularity.
What are modern amalgam fillings made of and are they safe?
Modern amalgam fillings, often called “silver fillings,” still contain mercury, but it’s chemically bound to other metals, reducing the body’s absorption. The mercury exposure from modern fillings is less than daily exposure from air, water, and food.
What are the advantages of modern amalgam fillings?
Mercury in modern amalgam fillings makes the material mouldable, strong, and durable. They are also relatively inexpensive, quick to apply, and can withstand everyday stresses, making them suitable for various dental situations.
What are the alternatives to amalgam fillings?
The main alternatives to amalgam fillings are porcelain, gold, and composite (white) fillings. Porcelain and gold are indirect fillings requiring multiple dental visits, while composite fillings are tooth-colored and applied in layers.
Which filling material is the most durable?
Gold fillings are considered one of the most durable and longest-lasting options, although they are also the most expensive.
Are composite fillings as strong as metal fillings?
Composite fillings are not as strong as metal fillings. They are most effective in teeth that do not bear the majority of chewing force. However, on suitable teeth, they can restore up to 90% of the tooth’s original strength.
Book Your Appointment Today
Ready for a Healthy Smile?
If you have a cavity that requires attention, or you’d like to book an appointment for a check-up to ensure your teeth are healthy, don’t hesitate to reach out.
If you have a cavity that requires attention, or you’d like to book an appointment for a check-upto make sure your teeth are healthy, give Family Dental Care a call at 343-312-9894. Seeing your healthy smile makes us smile!