What material is best for replacing amalgam fillings?

Now, for something very important: What material is best for their replacement?

This is a very significant question and more encompassing than one might think.  The materials used can be influenced by several factors, such as the case of those used in manufacturing an airplane which needs to have proper form, structure and function for successful, safe flights.  The following information will assist you in understanding why this is so important.

We see new patients daily who have varied concerns that prompt them to enter the Dental Wellness Center family of patients, e.g., routine check-up, gum and decay problems, TMJ, head and neck pain, cosmetic concerns, teeth replacements – bridges, partials, root replacement implants, etc. as well as mercury amalgam filling removals.  All who enroll begin a process that includes an initial interview with the doctor, a clinical oral examination and a complete series of radiographs.  During the clinical examination, various oral health/disease parameters are investigated such as:

• Blood Pressure/heart rate recording
• Oral Cancer visual and palpation inspection
• Bite analysis – checking of functional parameters
• Tooth wear analysis
• Individual teeth inspection
• Periodontal (gum) measuring and recording bleeding areas
• Phase microscopic plaque analysis
• Intra-oral camera photographs
• Mouth models mounted on a jaw simulator, if warranted

Type of filling material used is just one aspect of looking at The Bigger Picture.  For instance, if a person’s bite alignment is off and it is causing teeth to have abnormal wear, head and/or neck pain or loose teeth, the alignment would need to be addressed first, as placing any type of restorative material to comply with a bite that is off would not only perpetuate the underlying problem, but could also worsen it.  Just like placing new tires on an automobile whose front end is out of alignment.