In an era of preventive health and as we know that health starts in the mouth, it is important to be informed about amalgam/silver fillings and that mercury is a heavy metal known as one of the components of dental amalgam used to fill teeth in the past.
Dental amalgam, also known as silver filling, because of its silver-like appearance, has been used to restore the teeth of more than 100 million Americans. However, the fact that its formulation includes mercury content has raised safety concerns in the minds of many people.
Each day, more patients are coming to our practice to inquire about mercury and dental health. It is known that amounts of mercury vapor can be released from amalgam during placement, mastication, and brushing.
Dental amalgam consists of a mixture of metals, liquid mercury and a powdered alloy composed of silver, tin, and copper. Approximately 50% of dental amalgam is elemental mercury by weight.
Our office recommends that amalgam fillings (silver fillings) should be replaced by tooth-colored restorations including composites and/or porcelain as we have treated several patients contaminated by mercury. We at Sharp Dentistry, and as members of the IAOMT (International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology), therefore follow the amalgam removal protocol. For information on the steps of amalgam removal protocol click here to visit the page.
As a primitive filling material, amalgam can be detrimental to oral health. It is well known that placing amalgam requires the removal of a significant amount of healthy tooth structure. This removal, in turn, weakens overall tooth structure which increases the need for future dental work. On top of that, amalgam fillings, which expand and contract over time, crack teeth and create the need for still more dental work.
Superior modern alternatives preserve healthy tooth structure and actually strengthen teeth, leading to better oral health and less extensive dental work over the long-term.
Ultimately, the best dental filling is no dental filling. Prevention is the best medicine. You can dramatically decrease your risk of cavities and other dental diseases simply by:
- brushing your teeth three times a day with non-fluoride toothpaste
- flossing daily
- eating a balanced diet
- visiting the dentist regularly.
For more information about mercury and oral health, visit:
For more information about our office visit www.sharpdentistry.com or call (305) 857-0990 for an appointment with Dr. Sharp.