Are there Good Reasons to Remove Amalgam Fillings?
Dental amalgam is a metallic substance used as a filling material for teeth. Although it was once the most common dental filler, it is not as prevalent today. Many people with amalgam fillings consider having them removed and replaced with a biocompatible ceramic or resin. It’s not always necessary to remove amalgam fillings, but there are good reasons to do so in some situations.
Safety Concerns about Amalgam Fillings
Dental amalgam is an alloy of tin, nickel, silver and other metals, along with mercury. The mercury component is the most problematic in terms of health and safety. While mercury has been used in amalgam fillings for centuries, concerns over the toxicity of elemental mercury have made it more controversial.
Elemental mercury is highly toxic, and long-term exposure can lead to a long list of health problems. A small number of people claim to have developed health problems because of having amalgam fillings. However, the current medical research is not conclusive in proving that mercury fillings lead to toxicity issues.
Safety concerns about elemental mercury can be a good reason to have amalgam fillings removed, but there are some issues to be aware of if you’re considering it. The most important issue is that while amalgam fillings themselves aren’t necessarily harmful, there is a small risk of mercury exposure when amalgam fillings are removed. Removal often entails breaking the filling into pieces, and this can result in a small amount of mercury being released into the body.
Amalgam and Aesthetics
Amalgam is a silvery-colored metallic substance that looks dark gray when it’s used as a filling material. It can be very noticeable, and this aesthetic concern prompts many people to consider having amalgam removed and replaced with tooth-colored ceramic or resin. However, it’s important to balance the aesthetic issue with the risk of mercury exposure when having amalgam removed from your teeth.
When is Amalgam Removal Necessary?
If you have amalgam fillings, it’s okay for them to stay where they are if the fillings are in good condition. If the fillings are intact, there’s no risk of mercury exposure.
The time to replace amalgam fillings is if they become cracked or broken, or if any portion of the filling breaks off from the tooth. At this point, it’s better to remove the broken filling and replace it with biocompatible resin or ceramic.
If a filling is old, damaged, or worn, it may be necessary to remove it to prevent possible mercury exposure. When you need new fillings, choose a biocompatible resin or ceramic to avoid safety issues in the future. If you think you would like to have your amalgam fillings replaced, contact Steven R. Bergara, DDS Inc., for a complete evaluation. We can help you decide if the treatment is right for you.