A brief history of dental fillings!

Do you know someone who has a gold filled tooth? 

Are you wondering what your dentist in Howell, Michigan uses for your fillings? 

We’ll tell you soon.  But first, here’s a little history of amalgams, or fillings. 

In the early 1800’s tin was the most popular material used in fillings because it was inexpensive.  Dentists also used aluminum and asbestos until about 1850.  Amalgam was originally a mixture of silver, tin, and mercury and became popular in approximately 1855.  This mixture was popular because of its low cost, strength, durability and dentists found it easy to use.  Throughout history, there has been concern over the use of mercury and the harmful affects it could cause. 

During the 19th Century a variety of metals were used for filling drilled teeth: gold, platinum, silver and lead.  Of course, once scientists discovered that people were being poisoned with the lead fillings, dentists stopped using lead in the latter part of the century. 

Today, most amalgam fillings contain approximately 50% liquid mercury, 20-30% silver, 14% tin, 8% copper, and zinc with other trace metals.  Even though The Food and Drug Administration states that patients with silver amalgam fillings do not need to have them removed, many dentists are now using composite to fill teeth because they don’t want to take a chance with the health of their patients. 

Thankfully, dentistry has changed quite a bit since the 20th century, or many people would probably be missing a few teeth.  As a premiere dentist in Howell, Michigan, Dr. DiStefano and his team use a white composite for fillings.  If you get a cavity and have a tooth restored, the filling used will match the color of your tooth. 

Of course, the best possible scenario is to avoid getting a cavity!  You can do this by brushing and flossing regularly, eating good nutritious foods, avoiding excess sugar, and drinking a lot of water.  When you take good care of your teeth, you’ll not only avoid fillings, but you’ll also be less likely to develop a major disease. 

Have you had your checkup lately?  Contact us today to schedule and get on your way to better health!  Oh, and don’t forget that if you’re under the age of 18, you can join Dr. DiStefano’s “Kid’s No Cavity Club” for a chance to win a prize. 





Sources

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amalgam_%28dentistry%29

http://www.ehow.com/about_5210060_history-dental-fillings.html