Worldwide, tooth decay is one of the most prevalent diseases. In fact, according to one estimate, more than 90 percent of people will develop a cavity at some point in their life. If you have ever had a cavity filled, your dentist might have used a material known as silver amalgam, which was the primary way to address tooth decay for more than a century. Unfortunately, there is evidence to suggest that your metal fillings could be dangerous. In this blog post, we will why you should replace metal fillings with a safer alternative.
Silver Amalgam Has a High Mercury Content
The silver amalgam that composes metal fillings contains a mixture of materials, but the foremost ingredient is mercury. The mercury ensures that the filling is flexible enough to be inserted into the tooth. Generations of patients have received amalgam fillings, and in many cases, they have proven to provide strong defense against further dental decay.
Understandably, however, many people have raised concerns over the fillings’ high mercury content. Although patients are not actually ingesting the mercury, mercury vapor must be taken into account. As you breathe in miniscule amounts of mercury released by your fillings, it can accumulate in your blood over time.
Just how serious is the risk of mercury poisoning from fillings? A 2016 study analyzed data from almost 15,000 individuals. It discovered that people with eight or more amalgam fillings had 150 percent more mercury in their blood than people with no fillings. Although the Food and Drug Administration considers amalgam fillings to be safe for most patients, there is anecdotal evidence to suggest that the fillings cause a range of neurological symptoms in some people. Such symptoms may include headaches, vision problems, anxiety, and more.
Tooth-Colored Fillings Offer a Safer Alternative
In recent years, many dental practices have abandoned amalgam fillings in favor of tooth-colored fillings. Tooth-colored fillings in Hamden are composed of plastic, glass particles, and other ingredients — they contain absolutely no mercury. They are also just as effective at treating decay as their metal counterparts. Additionally, as their name implies, they can be shade-matched to blend in with a person’s natural dentition.
If you are concerned about the presence of mercury in your metal fillings, schedule a consultation with a restorative dentist. They may be able to replace your old fillings with tooth-colored ones. They will do so in a way that minimizes your exposure to mercury vapor during the procedure.
Would you like to learn more about the process of replacing your metal fillings with a safer alternative? Your local dentist will be happy to answer all of your questions.
Meet the Practice
New Haven Dental Group in Hamden is proud to have three on-staff doctors, including two general dentists. They have decades of combined experience and are proud to offer a range of treatments, including tooth-colored fillings. They provide comfortable, efficient care in a welcoming environment. If you would like find out more about them and the services available at our practice, contact us at 203-288-8221.