Do You Need To Replace Amalgam Fillings?

New laws restricting the use of mercury based fillings came into law from July 2018.

From July 1st 2018, new laws came into being in the UK, restricting the use of amalgam fillings. From that date, they can no longer be used in patients under 15 or in pregnant or breastfeeding women, unless there are genuine medical reasons for doing so.

This new ruling has led to some of our Bedford patients asking us whether anything needs to be done about their teeth that already have amalgam fillings.

Mercury

One of the main reasons for this new ruling is related to the use of mercury compounds in this particular treatment. However, it is important to note that this is not considered to be because of any danger from its presence in amalgam, but because of concerns about the level of mercury that reaches the environment from this process. To all intents and purpose, the General Dental Council’s agreement is that amalgam fillings are still safe and patients should not be concerned. However, we do understand the various concerns and we support a controlled phase out of amalgam for this purpose.

So despite the declaration that it is still safe to use, it is reasonably likely that we will continue to see further restrictions placed upon it and cosmetic white fillings increasingly used as a matter of routine for dental fillings.

Cosmetic benefits

At The Dental Centre Bedford, we have been able to offer our patients white fillings for some time now. Whilst some patients do have concerns about the use of mercury in amalgam fillings, for many others, the key reason for opting for white fillings is an aesthetic one. Amalgam may offer strong fillings, but it also makes them very visible too, often spoiling an otherwise attractive smile.

White fillings can be used for most cavities and can be produced in a colour to match the existing natural tooth. Your smile can look white, bright and entirely natural with this type of filling.

Replacing amalgam

Although these new laws do not mean that you have to replace amalgam fillings, the option is there should you wish to do so. Our Bedford dental team are able to do this in a safe and efficient manner, replacing your dark looking fillings with ones that you will barely notice. Where a cavity is very large and on a load bearing tooth, such as those at the rear, we may discuss the use of an inlay or onlay instead to provide the extra strength required to grind and chew our food. For the majority of teeth though, a white dental filling is an excellent option.

If you would like to discuss the replacement of your amalgam fillings with us, please call The Dental Centre Bedford on 01234 819868 to arrange an appointment to see one of our cosmetic dentists.