Dentist and Skin Care Blog from Boston's Area Leading Dental Office

Cosmetic Dentistry Experts

If your Boston dentist has recommended amalgams (silver fillings) to repair tooth decay or restore your decayed teeth, you may be wondering about how safe they are. In recent years, much concern has been raised about silver fillings and their mercury content. Because of this, many patients are leery of fillings—and may even avoid them altogether. Unfortunately, avoiding a filling can lead to unhealthy and dangerous complications, so it’s important to understand the truth about amalgams. Here are the facts:

1. While it’s true that amalgams are made of elemental liquid mercury mixed with other metal alloys, the mercury becomes nearly non-toxic when bound with other metals. Because this form of mercury it is not absorbed well through the digestive tract, it is not a health concern. In addition, the amount of mercury released by patient amalgams is extremely small when compared to our average daily mercury intake from water, seafood and other environmental sources.
2. Choosing not to fill your dental caries (cavities) can lead to ongoing health problems. A cavity is the result of an accumulation of decayed particles and bacteria, and if you go without filling the cavity, bacteria can enter your body through your jaw and gastro internal track. These spreading bacteria could lead to both bodily infection and general health concerns. 
3. Both the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the American Dental Association (ADA) have ruled, on numerous occasions, that silver fillings are not unsafe.
4. Amalgams are still in use because they are a durable, time-tested and affordable way of restoring decayed teeth. There are other options—including porcelain and composite resins—that are more cosmetically attractive.
5. It is estimated that less than one percent of the population is allergic to mercury, so mercury allergies are not a concern when it comes to amalgams. If you have a known mercury allergy, however, discuss other filling options with your Boston dentist.

Smile and Skin Cares about Your Health

Don’t let excessive tooth decay ruin your smile—and your health—since amalgam is still one of the safest, most effective materials for filling cavities. If you’re still concerned about filling your dental caries with silver amalgams or are interested in cosmetic alternatives, talk with the experienced cosmetic dentists at Smile and Skin Aesthetics office. Dr. Meola and his team will provide you with the latest in updated amalgam safety info, and discuss filling alternatives for patients concerned about mercury allergies or other mercury-linked health conditions.