Dental amalgam also known as “silver filling,” is a restorative substance that includes a mixture of elemental mercury and an alloy primarily composed of silver, tin, and copper. It is used to restore the missing structure and surfaces of decayed teeth, as shown in the accompanying image.
Dental amalgam is known to release small amounts of mercury in the form of a vapor (gas), depending on the number and age of existing fillings a person has, as well as their dietary and chewing habits. Mercury, however, is a known toxin and long-term exposure can result in adverse health effects.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) only recently acknowledged the risk amalgam poses to high risk populations, which include:
- Pregnant women and their developing fetuses;
- Women planning to become pregnant;
- Nursing women and their newborn infants;
- Children, especially those under the age of 6;
- People with pre-existing neurological disease;
- People with impaired kidney function; and
- People with heightened sensitivity to mercury or other components of amalgam.
The FDA currently advises that these high risk populations seek alternative, non-mercury forms of restoration such as composite resins or glass ionomer cements.
We Can Help
As a holistic dentist, I have long advocated for the ban of amalgam due to its mercury content. At my practice, I have made it my duty to educate my patients about their procedures and any associated risks, as well as encourage them to do research, so they can make an informed decision about their health.
At Smile Rx Dental, we are proud to say that we are mercury free and do not place amalgams. We only remove amalgam using the IAOMT protocol for smart and safe removal. We are happy to see national guidelines moving one step closer to a consensus on the dangers of amalgam.
