Amalgam fillings may more accurately be referred to as mercury fillings which, at 50 % elemental mercury by weight, is the largest component. \u00a0Other components are silver, copper, and zinc.<\/p>\n
What is the alternative to amalgam fillings?<\/strong><\/p>\n Composite resin fillings are the most common alternative to dental amalgam. \u00a0They are sometimes called \u201ctooth-colored\u201d or \u201cwhite\u201d fillings because of their color. \u00a0Composite resin fillings are made of a type of plastic (an acrylic resin) reinforced with powdered glass. \u00a0\u00a0Advantages of composite resin fillings include being able to blend in with surrounding teeth and they require minimal removal of healthy tooth structure for placement. \u00a0 They also bond to your tooth and may help hold it together.<\/p>\n Are there any other alternatives to amalgam fillings?<\/strong><\/p>\n When the previous filling was very large or decay has \u00a0destroyed a large portion of the tooth, a ceramic or porcelain restoration may be the best treatment. \u00a0This restoration may be in the form of a conservative in-lay or \u00a0on-lay but in cases where the damage is extensive a full-coverage crown may need to be placed.<\/p>\n Does insurance cover the replacements of the amalgam?<\/strong><\/p>\n If the tooth is decayed around the amalgam filling, or if the tooth or filling is cracked or broken, insurance generally covers replacement of the amalgam filling. \u00a0(Composite fillings also may need to be replaced over time.) \u00a0Dental insurance often pays only the [lower] fee allowed \u00a0for an amalgam filling in a posterior tooth. \u00a0 If that is the case with your insurance, you will have to pay both the co-pay at the [lower] amalgam filling level and the amount above the adjusted amalgam fee for a composite filling.<\/p>\n Do you have the proper equipment to safely removal amalgams?<\/strong><\/p>\n We utilize safety measures consistent with the IAOMT (International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology) recommended protocol.<\/p>\n