I haven’t had a cavity since I was 17 years old and now I am 37 years old. The cavity I did have was filled with silver. So my dentist told me last week when the filling wears out he will replace it with composite. I guess my wife and I never discussed tooth fillings but when she found out I had a silver filling she got super excited and told me that I need to get it out right away. My wife is very health conscious so she has read a lot about toxic substances including fillings I guess. She says I need to make sure the dentist who removes the fillings vacuums it out and has pure oxygen available to I don’t inhale the mercury fumes. Honestly this all sounds pretty drastic to me. My dentist just said that we will worry about it when the filling wears out. Is this really an urgent issue? Do I need to have a mercury-free dentist removing the filling right away? Lindell
Lindell,
The answer to your question will differ depending on who you ask. Although a mercury-free dentist will might advise you to replace the filling, both the American Dental Association and the Food and Drug Administration approve of amalgam (silver) fillings and say they are safe to use.
There is growing concern among the public about the safety of mercury and its toxicity. Some studies show that as you eat, drink, and brush your teeth, an old amalgam filling releases some mercury. There really isn’t enough research to determine at what point the release of mercury starts to affect your health. Many researchers are satisfied with tests that reveal low mercury levels.
It is also unknown whether a dangerous mercury level is a result of a single amalgam filling versus multiple fillings. You have to determine if you are comfortable with your amalgam filling, or if you want it removed by a mercury-free dentist.
As silver fillings age, they weaken and leak. Food and bacteria between the filling and your tooth can promote decay. If decay is undetected and left untreated, an infection can result. The infection is removed with a root canal treatment, and instead of another filling, a dental crown is needed to protect the tooth.
It might be wise to listen to your wife and find a mercury-free dentist to safely removing the filling and replace it with composite. Your tooth will be healthier and stronger.
This post is sponsored by Baton Rouge dentist Dr. Steven Collins.