If you have silver mercury fillings, you
may be wondering if you should have
them removed.
TV reports have advised that you
should do so, but is there any truth
behind those reports?
What’s actually in them?
Silver fillings are made of a material
called amalgam.
This material is composed of several
different metals including
silver, mercury, copper and tin.
It may also contain zinc, palladium or
indium.
The concern over this type of fillings is
because of the mercury itself.
It is used because it helps to make the
material pliable.
When it is mixed with a powder of
other metals, it forms a compound that
mixes well and can easily be pressed
into a tooth.
This material also hardens quickly and
is able to withstand the incredible
force of biting and chewing.
Mercury is an element that is present
in the environment.
People are exposed to it from the
air, the water they drink and some of
the foods they eat.
There have been concerns recently
about the amount present in the fish
we are eating.
Like many substances, the higher the
level of mercury in a person’s
body, the more problems that may be
present.
When people work with it, they may
have high levels of it in their system.
These high levels can cause
symptoms such as memory
loss, headaches, fatigue and
irritability.
The concern is how much mercury is
release into the body from the fillings.
When they were first used, it was
thought that no mercury was released.
However, recent studies have shown
that tiny amounts can be released as
the it wears down.
These studies have shown that the
amount of mercury released is usually
less than the amount a person
acquires from the environment and the
food they eat.
The U.S. Food and Drug
Administration performed studies in
2009 that concluded that these fillings
are safe for children.
A few people may have an allergic
reaction to mercury.
This is a very rare occurrence and
these people should have fillings
made from other materials.
Pregnant women are often concerned
about toxins.
While mercury can cross the placental
barrier, older fillings will not present
any health hazards to pregnant
women.
However, if a woman needs to get a
filling during pregnancy, it is
recommended that she not choose a
silver filling.
People who are exposed to higher
levels of mercury may want to avoid
these fillings.
This may include people who work
with mercury or people who eat high
amounts of seafood.
If you are concerned about mercury
being released from your fillings, you
can have your family dentist remove
them.
Your family dentist will use a high
power suction device to remove all of
the amalgam material from your tooth.
Your dentist will then replace them
with porcelain, composite resin or
gold.
None of these contain mercury, but
the composite resin fillings do wear
out faster than silver and may not be
suitable for every location.
Whether to replace them or not is an
individual decision each person will
have to make.
However, experts recommend only
replacing them if they are worn out or
broken.
Are you considering having your
mercury fillings replaced?
If you live in Chandler AZ contact one
of the dentists at Shumway Dental
Care.
They will give you the best advice on
what steps you should take for optimal
health.
Go to
http://www.mychandlerdentists.com