What are mercury fillings?
What people sometimes call mercury fillings are actually dental amalgam fillings, which are commonly recognized by their silver-colored appearance. Dental amalgam is made from a mixture of metals that includes mercury combined with an alloy containing metals such as silver, copper, and tin.
When the materials are mixed, the amalgam starts out soft enough to place and shape in the prepared tooth and then hardens. Amalgam has been used for many years as a dental restorative material because of characteristics such as its durability and ability to withstand chewing forces.
Do all silver amalgam fillings contain mercury?
Dental amalgam fillings contain mercury as part of the material. Small amounts of mercury vapor can be released from amalgam restorations, particularly during placement, removal, or activities such as chewing.
If avoiding mercury-containing dental materials is important to you, there are other restorative materials we can discuss based on the tooth and the type of restoration you need.
Should you have mercury fillings removed?
If you already have amalgam fillings, that doesn't necessarily mean you need to have them all taken out. If an amalgam restoration is in good condition and there isn't another clinical reason to replace it, removing it solely because it contains mercury may not be necessary.
Whenever we remove an existing filling, we also have to remove or alter some tooth structure, and every dental procedure has potential risks. Removal can also temporarily increase mercury exposure during the procedure.
If an amalgam filling is broken, has decay around it, isn't functioning properly, or needs replacement for another clinical reason, we can evaluate the tooth and discuss which restorative material may be appropriate.
What are the health risks of mercury fillings?
Mercury can cause health problems at sufficiently high levels of exposure. However, the amount and type of exposure matter, and having an amalgam filling isn't the same as experiencing acute mercury poisoning.
There have been concerns raised over the years about whether mercury from dental amalgam contributes to different health conditions. When you have questions about your own restorations, it's important to consider your individual health, the condition of the fillings, and current evidence rather than assuming that every amalgam restoration needs to be removed.
How is an amalgam filling removed?
An amalgam filling can be removed when there's a clinical reason to replace the restoration or when replacement has been chosen after discussing the benefits and risks.
We typically numb the area to help keep you comfortable. Then we use dental instruments to remove the existing restoration while using high-volume suction and other appropriate measures to help control debris and aerosols during the procedure.
After the old restoration is removed and the tooth is evaluated, we restore it with an appropriate material. That might be a tooth-colored filling, or if the tooth has lost a significant amount of structure, another restoration such as a crown may be recommended.
Are amalgam fillings still used in dentistry?
Dental amalgam is still used in some dental practices, although tooth-colored restorative materials are commonly used today as well. The appropriate material depends on factors such as the tooth, location and size of the restoration, individual health considerations, and treatment needs.
Here at Matheson Dentistry & Implant Center, we primarily use mercury-free restorative materials. If you have questions about the materials being considered for your treatment, we're happy to discuss the available options with you.
Where can I get mercury-free fillings?
If you're interested in dental fillings that don't contain mercury, contact Matheson Dentistry & Implant Center. We offer mercury-free restorative materials and can evaluate your tooth to determine which option may be appropriate for your individual needs.
At Matheson Dentistry & Implant Center, you come first. Whether you need dental care or simply have questions, call us at (480) 888-8123 or email [email protected] to schedule your visit. Our team is here to help you every step of the way.