{"id":72,"date":"2026-08-07T07:06:00","date_gmt":"2026-08-07T07:06:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.potrancofamilydental.com\/blog\/?p=72"},"modified":"2026-09-07T07:08:18","modified_gmt":"2026-09-07T07:08:18","slug":"heres-why-you-should-replace-those-old-metal-fillings","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.potrancofamilydental.com\/blog\/heres-why-you-should-replace-those-old-metal-fillings\/","title":{"rendered":"Here\u2019s Why You Should Replace Those Old Metal Fillings"},"content":{"rendered":"
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If you’ve had dental work for a while, there’s a good chance you have at least one old silver-colored filling. Dental amalgam has been used successfully for generations because it is durable, affordable, and effective at repairing teeth. But today, patients have more options, including tooth-colored composite fillings that blend naturally with their smiles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So, should you replace your old metal fillings? The answer isn’t necessarily the same for everyone, but there are several reasons you may want to discuss replacement<\/a> with your dentist.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

What Are Metal Fillings Made Of?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Dental amalgam, commonly called a silver filling, is made from a combination of metals, including elemental mercury, silver, copper, tin, and zinc. Mercury makes up approximately half of amalgam by weight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The presence of mercury is one reason dental amalgam has received so much attention over the years. Amalgam can release small amounts of mercury vapor, and exposure can vary depending on factors such as the number and age of fillings and habits like teeth grinding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Did the 2016 Study Find?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A 2016 study from researchers at the University of Georgia examined data from nearly 15,000 people and found an association between dental surface restorations and mercury levels in the body.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The researchers reported that people with more than eight dental surface fillings had approximately 150% higher blood mercury levels than people with none. The study suggested that individuals with numerous fillings, particularly those also exposed to mercury from other sources, may have greater exposure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, this doesn’t mean that everyone with metal fillings is experiencing mercury-related health problems. The FDA notes that studies have not established conclusive evidence that dental amalgam causes harmful health effects in the general population.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why Consider Tooth-Colored Fillings?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Mercury exposure isn’t the only reason patients may prefer tooth-colored fillings. Composite resin fillings are designed to match the natural color of your teeth, making them much less noticeable when you smile or laugh.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

They can also require less removal of healthy tooth structure during placement compared with amalgam in many situations. Composite materials don’t contain heavy metals, although they have their own considerations, including differences in durability and placement requirements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For patients who want a more natural-looking smile, replacing a visibly dark filling with a tooth-colored restoration can also provide an aesthetic improvement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Should You Have Your Fillings Replaced?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Here’s where an important distinction comes in: replacing an old filling isn’t something you should necessarily do simply because it’s made from amalgam.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The FDA does not recommend removing an intact amalgam filling that is in good condition and has no decay underneath it. Removing an otherwise healthy filling can unnecessarily remove tooth structure and temporarily increase mercury vapor exposure during the removal process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, if an amalgam filling is cracked, worn, leaking, associated with decay, or otherwise needs to be replaced, your dentist can discuss whether a tooth-colored composite restoration is an appropriate alternative.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Talk to Your Dentist About Your Options<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you still have several metal fillings, there’s no need to panic. Instead, bring up your concerns during your next dental appointment. Your dentist can evaluate the condition of each restoration and help you decide whether replacement makes sense based on your oral health, the location of the filling, and your individual circumstances.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If replacement is appropriate, tooth-colored fillings can offer an attractive, mercury-free alternative while restoring the tooth’s function.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Understanding your options is the first step toward making confident decisions about your smile.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

About the Practice<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Dr. AJ of Potranco Family Dental provides comprehensive dental care in San Antonio, Texas, including restorative dentistry designed to repair damaged or decayed teeth and restore their function. The dental team can evaluate existing restorations and discuss whether replacing an older filling is appropriate. Patients can learn about available restorative materials and work with their dentist to choose an option that fits their oral health needs, treatment goals, and aesthetic preferences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Call us at (210) 686-1082<\/a> or schedule your appointment online<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

If you’ve had dental work for a while, there’s a good chance you have at least one old silver-colored filling. Dental amalgam has been used successfully for generations because it is durable, affordable, and effective at repairing teeth. But today, patients have more options, including tooth-colored composite fillings that blend naturally with their smiles. So, […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-72","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"yoast_head":"\nHere\u2019s Why You Should Replace Those Old Metal Fillings<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Wondering whether you should replace old metal fillings? 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