Mercury & Metal Free Dentistry – What is it, and do you need it?

Have you ever wondered why some dentists are against using metals and alloy-based restorations for dental use? Are metals metals and alloys harmful for our oral health and physical well-being? More importantly, what will be the benefits of visiting a dentist who practices metal-free dentistry? You will find answers to all these questions in this blog. So, don’t forget to read till the end to get answers to all your questions about metal free dentistry. 

What Is Metal Free Dentistry?

Metal-free dentistry refers to a school of thought among dentists where measures are taken to avoid using metals for restoring or replacing natural teeth. Dentists who practice metal-free dentistry believe that there are several harmful effects of the metals used for making dental restorations and prostheses. That is why, they use alternative materials free of metals or alloys. 

One significant example of metal-free dentistry is the use of metal-free fillings. Did you know that the European Parliament has voted to ban silver amalgam fillings from January 1, 2025? Previously, dental amalgam was routinely used to restore damaged teeth. However, since various harmful effects of these fillings have been observed on one’s oral health and physical well-being due to the presence of mercury, dentists have started using alternative filling materials such as composite bonding. 

Another issue associated with metal-based restorations and prostheses is their unaesthetic appearance. This is one of the reasons why the use of metal-based fillings has declined significantly over the years. 

What Are Amalgam Fillings? Are They Safe?

Silver amalgam refers to a type of dental filling comprising metal alloys. These filling materials are made by mixing liquid mercury with powdered metal alloys. The mixture results in a chemical reaction which causes the filling material to set and provide strength to the damaged tooth. 

Various concerns have been raised regarding the safety of amalgam fillings owing to the presence of mercury and other metals in them such as silver, tin, and copper. However, most of the reported adverse effects are due to the release of mercury from these fillings. There is a higher risk of adverse effects when mercury is released from worn-out or damaged silver amalgam fillings. Therefore, many holistic dentists recommend replacing damaged amalgam fillings with less harmful and aesthetically superior composite fillings. 

Why Did Dentists Stop Using Metal Fillings As Much?

There are several reasons why dentists don’t use silver amalgam fillings as much. First, they carry the risk of adverse effects when mercury is released from them – especially while placing or removing them. Moreover, their use has also declined due to their unaesthetic metallic appearance. As dental patients are becoming increasingly conscious of their apperance and facial aesthetics, they don’t want to get their teeth restored with conspicuous metal filings, especially on the front teeth. 

Another reason why dentists don’t amalgam fillings very commonly is because they are not very tooth-conservative. This means that dentists have to remove significant amounts of healthy tooth structures to ensure that they remain in place and don’t get dislodged. Since safer, aesthetically pleasing, and more tooth-conservative composite filling materials are available, tier use has declined over the years. 

What Are Some Of The Best Toxin-Free Dental Fillings?

When we talk about toxin- or metal-free filings, our best option is bonded composite restorations. Composite fillings comprise tooth-coloured resin materials that are known to be safe in the oral cavity and don’t carry physical health-related adverse effects. More importantly, composite fillings are tooth-coloured. Hence, they blend in with the natural teeth and become virtually indistinguishable. Finally, composite fillings bond directly to the tooth structure. Therefore, they don’t require extensive healthy tooth structure removal for their placement, unlike amalgam fillings. 

Which Fillings Are Better Than Metal Fillings For Teeth?

If you are not happy with the conspicuous appearance of amalgam fillings, you may consider tooth-coloured alternatives such as composite restorations. Composite restorations are only aesthetically more pleasing than amalgam fillings, they are also considered safer and have a lesser risk of side effects. 

What’s The Advantage Of Metal Free Dental Implants?

Although titanium-based dental implants are generally considered safe for use in the oral cavity, they do carry certain drawbacks. Moreover, titanium implants may not be suitable for individuals allergic to this metal. That is why, holistic dentists recommend using metal-free implants, such as those made of zirconia. Besides being safer and white in colour, another advantage of zirconia implants is that they can be prepared in a single piece, unlike titanium implants in which the implant and the prosthesis are prepared separately 

Will Dental Implants Rust?

Titanium implants do not rust easily in the oral cavity. Why? Because titanium alloys form an oxygen layer around them which prevents any chemical reaction or rusting. This also explains why titanium has fewer side effects than other metals used in dentistry. 

Despite this, there is a small chance that titanium implants may rust. This is because they contain small amounts of iron which is prone to corrosion. But this risk is minimal as long as your dentist uses a good-quality implant. 

Can I Replace Silver Fillings With White?

According to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), there is no need to remove intact amalgam restorations, even in high-risk individuals such as kids and pregnant women. Amalgam fillings should only be removed if they get damaged or chipped. Another reason for removing amalgam fillings is when someone is not satisfied with their appearance and wants to replace them with composite fillings. 

If you want to know more about metal-free dentistry or want to get your damaged amalgam fillings removed, you can always contact us at Munro Hall Dental Clinic in Surrey, England. So, please request a free virtual consultation and let our holistic dentists answer all your questions.