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Dental Amalgams
Safe & Sound
Recently, silver fillings have gotten a pretty bad rap. Rumors abound connecting amalgams' mercury content to a whole host of miscellaneous health problems. But before you choose a less durable dental restoration material, and certainly before you rush in to have your amalgams removed, do yourself and your teeth a favor…review the facts.
How Safe?
Over the past 10 years, there's been considerable talk about the possibility that intense and chronic chewing pressure might cause silver fillings to leak mercury vapors into the body's system. And while it's true that the amalgam alloy is typically composed of approximately 43-54% elemental liquid mercury, there's no proof to support concern of it 'leaking'. In fact, after nearly 150 years of use and 10 years of extensive study/review by the FDA & U.S. Public Health Service (USPHS), there's no scientifically supportable evidence that silver fillings cause any health problems at all, except in rare cases of allergy or hypersensitivity. This conclusion has been confirmed by an international conference of health officials, the World Health Organization, European Commission, National Board of Health and Welfare in Sweden, New Zealand Ministry of Health, and by the Canada and Province of Quebec. So how safe are they? Very.
How Sound?
Others claim that over time, the constant pounding and intense chewing pressure on biting surfaces could actually cause the amalgam to change it's shape, while the underlying tooth structure would of course remain constant. This difference could theoretically cause cracks in the filling, cracks in the tooth, and invite bacterial invasion into the decay area. However, it's important to remember that just as with any dental restoration, silver amalgams have a finite life span. At some point, as your dentist observes any danger of cracking, your fillings may need to be replaced… a process which can be done safely and successfully. On the other hand, the primary alternative to amalgams, known as composite resins, are less durable, and require replacing much sooner. So, how sound are dental amalgams? Very.
How Does This Apply to Me?
We'd just like to encourage our patients to feel comfortable choosing, and keeping, silver amalgams for their dental restorations. Without fear about unfounded rumors. Given the long and uneventful history of silver amalgams, we consider silver amalgams to be a proven high quality choice for people of all ages, in terms of durability, strength, and safety. What's more, they're considerably less expensive, offer better moisture control, and are easier to keep clean than the alternatives.
