"Silver" Filling?

[OneAtHome]

I need to go have some cavities filled-the dentist explained she uses two kinds of fillings-a tooth colored one and a "silver" one she prefers for back teeth. What the heck is a silver filling-is that code for mercury? What questions would I ask to find out what they are really made of? Are the silver ones the amalgams I've heard so much terrible stuff about? Sorry to be so clueless! Thanks in advance!

[Cassandra M.]

Yeah the silver ones are amalgam. Some dentists want to use them on the back teeth because they think they hold up better than the white (composite) fillings, but will still use the composites for front teeth for aesthetic reasons.

I would definitely avoid the silver and request she use the white fillings for all your teeth.

[JaneS]

Silver is code for mercury. Amalgam is over 50% mercury so really they should be called mercury fillings.

Composites don't hold up only in the hands of an unskilled dentist. Research doesn't support this. You might want to find a mercury free dentist that places only composites for best work.

[OneAtHome]

Thank you-I'll make sure I get only the white ones. They will look better anyway,I think.