Tooth Coloured Fillings

Tooth coloured fillings are also commonly called composite fillings, white fillings or mercury-free fillings, the latter of the names being the most often requested.

In today's health conscious world more and more people are making strong choices with respect to what is placed in their bodies. In old metal fillings mercury was added to an amalgam of metals in order to make it pliable enough to fill the space left after decayed tooth structure was removed. These old black fillings have been in use for hundreds of years but now with the advancement of technology they are no longer necessary.

Modern researchers claim that these mercury-based fillings can release small amounts of mercury vapor into an individual's system each time they eat or drink. Health Canada recommends, "that when repairing new fillings you may want to consider using a product that does not contain mercury. Pregnant women, people allergic to mercury and those with impaired kidney function should avoid mercury fillings. Where appropriate, the primary teeth of children should be filled with non-mercury materials". The Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment has issued a position paper on "Canada Wide Standard on Mercury for Dental Amalgam Waste". Along with new stringent regulations by municipal sewer authorities this will oblige dentists to install dental mercury amalgam separators into their plumbing systems.

Dental material manufacturers are continually developing and improving mercury-free materials, they continue to introduce materials which are stronger and more durable and Bisphenol A free; they allow fillings to look like real teeth.

We respect the patients' rights to choose the dental material they wish for their dental restorations. At Square One Dental we have chosen to offer our patients only composite fillings.

We invite you to visit the following websites so you can make an informed decision on which material is best suited for your individual needs. We also welcome open dialogue when you visit our office in order to help you determine the appropriate choice for you. Below we have provided links to the Alberta Dental Association and College and Canadian Dental Associations websites where you can review their positions on dental materials.

Click on the following links to learn more about fillings and the safety of amalgam in your old fillings:

• www.cda-adc.ca/en/oral_health/procedures/fillings/
• www.hc-sc.gc.ca/dhp-mps/md-im/applic-demande/pubs/dent_amalgam-eng.php
• www.cda-adc.ca/en/oral_health/faqs_resources/faqs/dental_amalgam_faqs.asp
• www.ccme.ca/assets/pdf/cws_merc_amalgam_e.pdf