Amalgam Filling: When Should It Be Removed?

If you have an old amalgam filling, you may have wondered whether it is time to have it replaced. Maybe you've had it for years, or you've heard more about mercury-free dental fillings and wondered whether you should make the switch.

The good news is that having an older filling does not automatically mean it needs to be removed. An amalgam filling can remain functional for many years, and the decision to replace it should be based on the condition of the filling and the underlying tooth.

What Is an Amalgam Filling?

An amalgam filling is a type of dental restoration used to repair a tooth after the decayed material has been removed. It is sometimes called a silver filling because of its distinctive silver-coloured appearance.

Dental amalgam is made from a combination of metals, including elemental mercury, silver, tin and copper. It has been used in restorative dentistry for more than 150 years because it is durable, long-lasting, and relatively straightforward to place. 

While dentists now have access to more mercury-free dental fillings, amalgam remains part of the history of modern restorative dentistry. The global dental industry is also moving towards reducing the use of amalgam and increasing the availability of mercury-free alternatives. That shift does not mean every existing amalgam filling needs to be removed.

When Should an Amalgam Filling Be Removed?

There is no set expiry date for an amalgam filling. Some fillings remain healthy and functional for many years, while others eventually need to be repaired or replaced.

Your dentist may recommend replacing a filling if it has:

• Cracked or broken 

• Become significantly worn 

• Developed decay around or underneath it 

• Lost its seal against the tooth 

• Caused problems with the tooth or your bite 

• 
  

Sometimes the filling itself isn't the main problem. A tooth can develop new decay or a crack around an older restoration, which may mean that the existing filling no longer provides the support the tooth needs.

This is why regular dental examinations are important. Our dentists can check existing restorations and look for changes that may not yet cause noticeable symptoms.

Does an Amalgam Filling Need to Be Removed Because of Mercury?

Dental amalgam contains elemental mercury, which is why mercury-free alternatives have received more attention in recent years. There is also an international effort to reduce the environmental impact associated with the production, use and disposal of dental amalgam. UNEP's Global Mercury Partnership outlines this worldwide shift towards reducing dental amalgam use and increasing the use of high-quality mercury-free alternatives. 

However, that does not mean an otherwise healthy filling should be removed automatically. Removing a filling is a dental procedure in itself. It may require removing additional tooth structure, so your dentist will consider whether there is a genuine clinical reason to replace the restoration rather than remove it simply because it is old.

If you're concerned about an existing amalgam filling, the best place to start is with an examination and a conversation with our dentist.

What Can Replace an Amalgam Filling?

If our dentist determines that an old filling needs to be replaced, there are several modern options. Composite resin fillings are one of the most common alternatives. These tooth-coloured fillings can be matched to the surrounding tooth, making them a popular option for patients who want their dental work to blend naturally with their smile.

Composite resin can be used for both front and back teeth. However, the best material depends on the size and location of the cavity, the condition of the tooth, and the amount of pressure it experiences during chewing.

Other mercury-free fillings, including certain ceramic restorations, may also be appropriate in specific situations. Our dentist can explain the advantages and limitations of each option before treatment. The goal is to choose a restoration that provides the right combination of strength, function, appearance, and long-term support for your tooth.

How Do You Know If Your Filling Needs Attention?

An old filling isn't necessarily a problem. However, it's worth making an appointment if you notice pain when chewing, sensitivity around the tooth, a broken or loose filling, or a change in the way your teeth come together.

Even if you don't have symptoms, regular checkups allow our dentists to monitor existing fillings and identify problems before they become more complicated.

At Clearview Market Dental Care, we help patients understand their treatment options and make decisions based on their individual oral health needs. If you're concerned about an existing filling, our Red Deer dentist can examine the tooth and let you know whether the restoration can remain as is or whether a replacement would be beneficial.

For many patients, the answer may be to keep monitoring a filling that is working well. If there is a problem with the restoration or the tooth beneath it, modern mercury-free fillings are available to restore the tooth and preserve its function.