Are Composite Fillings Mercury Free?

If your child has cavities caused by tooth decay, composite fillings can fill the hole, protect their teeth, and restore their smile. Many parents prefer this option for their kids because it has a more natural appearance and does not create an eyesore. Others prefer them because they do not contain the same ingredients as traditional amalgam fillings.

The difference between traditional and composite fillings

For over a century, pediatric dentists have used metal fillings to treat kids’ tooth decay. Using an amalgam material, which consists of many different types of metal, can help improve the strength and longevity of the treatment. Some of the materials in metal or amalgam fillings may include:

• Silver
• Gold
• Mercury
• Copper
• Tin
• Zinc

Metal fillings are durable and can last for 15 years or more when patients maintain good oral hygiene and visit the dentist regularly for cleanings and checkups. However, metal fillings can have a few drawbacks, including their appearance. In addition, they can cause an increase in tooth sensitivity and have even been shown to cause minor allergic reactions in some young patients. However, these side effects are rare.

Composite fillings do not include any metals, so there are no concerns for children who may be sensitive to those types of ingredients. Instead, these fillings contain either glass or quartz mixed with a resin to create a strong, tooth-colored material. While they are effective in treating cavities, they do not last as long as metal fillings. Most parents can expect to have their child’s filling repaired or replaced after five or more years. However, they are less likely to conduct temperatures and cause tooth sensitivity, and they are often more natural-looking, leading to greater confidence and a more beautiful smile.

Understanding mercury use and safety for dental treatment

Many parents are opposed to their children receiving metal fillings because they contain mercury. In large amounts, mercury can become very harmful and even dangerous. However, the amount used in a dental filling is well below the threshold for safety.

The American Dental Association takes children’s health and wellness very seriously and helps ensure that the materials used for dental treatment are both safe and effective. Time and research have shown that the risks for unsafe levels of mercury exposure from metal fillings are minimal and far outweighed by the risks of developing serious complications from untreated tooth decay.

Even so, many parents feel uncomfortable about choosing a dental treatment that contains mercury for their children. Composite fillings provide an alternative. They yield effective results and are a mercury-free product.