A safer way to treat and remove silver tooth fillings
For years, silver tooth fillings – also known as amalgam fillings – have been used to fill cavities in dental offices. The material is strong and durable and holds up better overtime that other materials. The downside – it contains mercury, which is very toxic substance in gas form.
Do silver tooth fillings cause health problems?
While many believe that the mercury found in silver tooth fillings can contribute to health problems, this has not been proven by scientific evidence. In fact, while silver fillings are nearly 50% mercury, when combined with other metals such as those in a filling, a stable substance is created.
The real concern then, is that when patients chew, mercury gas is released as a result of the friction with the opposing teeth. Yet, this alone is not cause for alarm. Many patients have had silver fillings for more than 20 years and not experienced any ill effects.
Should your silver tooth fillings be removed?
While long-term exposure to mercury can be detrimental to your health, removing silver tooth fillings improperly can be more harmful to the patient.
At our office, we recommend removing silver fillings only when they no longer seal the tooth. For instance, if the filling is cracking or starting to break around the edge, or if it has weakened the tooth and the tooth has started to crack, the fillings should then be removed.
Protect yourself from harmful mercury exposure
Because mercury gas can be released from silver tooth fillings, patients with these fillings should be treated with special care.
At Dr. Saylor’s cosmetic dentist office near Tampa Florida, we take a safe approach to treating patients with amalgam fillings. Our staff is highly-trained to limit patients’ mercury exposure during routine cleanings, exams, and silver tooth filling removal. And our mercury-safe protocol protects both the patient and our team from mercury exposure to ensures a healthy, safe environment for all.
If you are concerned about your mercury exposure from silver tooth fillings, contact our office today to schedule a consultation.
