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, which materials are stronger and more durable; they allow fillings to look like real teeth.

We respect the patients’ rights to choose the dental material they wish for their dental restorations. In Dr. Klug’s practice we have chosen to offer our patients and staff only composite 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

www.abda.ab.ca/YourOralHealth/FrequentlyAskedQuestions/tabid/64/Default.aspx