Amalgam dental fillings are among the most common types of modern dental procedures. Used to repair cavities caused by tooth decay, amalgam fillings are made of a combination of mercury, silver and tin. Amalgam fillings are the least expensive and the most durable of all dental fillings and therefore are the most frequently used.
Mercury is used in fillings due to its ability to easily mold and bind other metals together. Mercury is normally a safe metal in small amounts, but there has been concern recently over the vapor produced by amalgam fillings.
Also known as silver fillings, amalgam fillings are made of silver, mercury, and tin. Copper, zinc, indium and palladium can also be used. Due to its appearance and the contrast of the metal against teeth, amalgam fillings are not used as widely as they were years ago.
Mercury can be a harmful metal if exposed at high levels. There has been concern over the build-up of mercury in fish as a result of pollution or in the air from factories. Some workers are exposed to high levels of mercury in their jobs. Kidney damage, anxiety, memory loss and headaches are all symptoms of mercury poisoning.
In the past two decades, there have been studies that show mercury as an environmental hazard linked to multiple health issues. However, you should know that the level of mercury in your amalgam filling is generally known to be completely safe.
Mercury in fillings releases very low levels of mercury vapor. That vapor is then processed by your lungs and passed out through urine. Even if you have multiple amalgam fillings, the vapor produced from them is not enough to cause harm.
Dentists must take care when handling amalgam because they deal with mercury every day. To come into contact with mercury that often without protection would be dangerous. However, this is not to say that your filling is any less safe.
Chances are that your amalgam fillings are not doing any harm. Although there have been efforts recently to reduce the amount of mercury in dental fillings, there is no proof that mercury in fillings causes health issues on its own.
The only reason you should get an amalgam filling removed is if it is damaged, if there is tooth decay underneath it or if you are allergic to mercury. Those who are allergic to mercury may experience mouth sores and skin rashes.
Amalgam dental fillings should be avoided by children under the age of six and pregnant women, although this is just for extra safety measures. It is doubtful that the mercury in amalgam fillings would reach dangerous levels in anyone, regardless of age. Mercury can enter the placenta of a pregnant woman, however, so to protect the fetus, dental procedures that contain amalgam are not recommended during pregnancy.
There are no dental organizations that currently recommend the removal of amalgam dental fillings.
Request an appointment here: https://www.mysaratogadentist.com or call My Saratoga Dentist PLLC at (518) 675-3094 for an appointment in our Saratoga Springs office.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.
A healthy, complete smile is not only about looking good but is also important for your overall well-being. Dental bridges can help restore the appearance and function of your teeth. However, common misconceptions about these replacement options can prevent people from understanding their benefits. Let us debunk some common myths about dental bridges.While dental bridges…
A dental bridge is a popular tooth replacement option for those missing one or several teeth. Missing teeth can cause problems that go beyond the aesthetic. Therefore, patients should replace teeth promptly to preserve the health and appearance of their smile. Fortunately, a dental bridge is an effective and natural-looking way to do that.A dental…
Dental bridge placement will need two visits. The patient will go through a short process that will not be invasive at all. The result will improve the patient’s dental and general health. Knowing the placement process for this restoration can help prepare you for your next visit. Here is the placement process for a dental…
Single-tooth replacement is important for oral health and the appearance of the smile. The dental bridge is one of the most popular options for individual tooth replacement. Here is a closer look at why single-tooth replacement is crucial and the advantages of a dental bridge.Having just one missing tooth visible when smiling can make someone…
A healthy, complete smile is not only about looking good but is also important for your overall well-being. Dental bridges can help restore the appearance and function of your teeth. However, common misconceptions about these replacement options can prevent people from understanding their benefits. Let us debunk some common myths about dental bridges.While dental bridges…
A dental bridge is a popular tooth replacement option for those missing one or several teeth. Missing teeth can cause problems that go beyond the aesthetic. Therefore, patients should replace teeth promptly to preserve the health and appearance of their smile. Fortunately, a dental bridge is an effective and natural-looking way to do that.A dental…