Are composite fillings toxic?
Rachel Newton
Updated on April 28, 2026
Fortunately, composite resin fillings are, in general, less toxic than they ever have been. And many people enjoy that they're tooth-colored. Early on, composite resin often contained toxic components that leaked into the oral cavity and into the bloodstream.
What is the safest tooth filling material?
Fillings made from amalgam are fifty percent mercury, with other metals like copper, tin, and zinc that make up the rest. Amalgam or silver fillings have long been considered the best option for dental fillings because they are affordable and durable. In fact, they can last for years with proper care.Do composite fillings have BPA?
Some composite resins (white fillings) today often contain the endocrine-disrupting chemical bisphenol A (BPA). This can be concerning as they are used in fillings for kids as well. The problem with BPA is its potential effect on the way a child's reproductive system and brain development.Are composite resin fillings safe?
While composite resin is one of the safest fillers out there, it's still important to ask questions at your dentist's office about the exact materials used in your fillings. A biological dentistry practice will make sure that their composite fillings are free of any toxic materials that may potentially cause you harm.Do composite fillings have mercury?
The Benefits of Composite FillingsResin fillings do not contain any mercury, and therefore they do not carry this particular risk. Additionally, composite fillings are stronger and more durable than their silver counterparts.
Why We Avoid Mercury Fillings - We Use Safe Composite Resin Fillings To Match Your Tooth Colour
Is dental composite resin toxic?
Some components of restorative composite resins are released in the oral environment initially during polymerization reaction and later due to degradation of the material. In vitro and in vivo studies have clearly identified that these components of restorative composite resins are toxic.Can a broken tooth filling make you sick?
Overall Health and Old Amalgam FillingsThe element is highly toxic. In fact, there really isn't a safe level when it comes to mercury exposure. The truth of the matter is your old silver amalgam fillings could be making you sick.
Are white dental fillings toxic?
White-colored fillings are mercury free fillings. They won't harm your health like the mercury fillings can. The tooth-colored fillings are made of a composite mixture of glass and plastic. These fillings are not only less toxic than silver amalgam fillings; they're much more pleasing to the eye.What happens if you swallow a composite filling?
Swallowing the piece of dental filling is not dangerous, as it should pass safely through your body. Obviously, it will be unusable by the time it has passed through so please do not try and retrieve it! More concerning, however is breathing it in, or inhaling it.Can composite fillings last 20 years?
composite fillings last 5 to 15 years. gold fillings last 15 to 20 years.Can fillings cause mercury poisoning?
Most research finds no relationship between fillings and symptoms of mercury poisoning. Dental cavities are treated by drilling out the decayed material and replacing it with a filling, either an amalgam filling or one of the newer types of tooth-colored composite fillings.Which dental composites are BPA free?
Another 14 products that are claimed “to be free of dissociable, easily released or ionizable BPA”:
- Admira.
- Clearfil.
- Concise.
- Esthet-X-HD.
- Filtek Supreme.
- Filtek Supreme XT.
- Filtek Z-250.