| Mercury Fillings in Modern Dentistry |
| Dental Amalgam is one of many dental materials used to fill cavities in teeth caused by decay. Amalgam fillings are a mixture of metals, including silver, tin, copper, and more than 50% mercury. When liquid mercury binds together with the metal mixture, it forms amalgam. This silver, putty-like substance is placed into the cavity and shaped, hardening into a solid filling. Amalgam fillings may also be referred to as “silver fillings,” “metal fillings” or “mercury fillings.” |
Hello John,
Because Dental Amalgam fillings contain elemental mercury, these fillings continuously release low levels of mercury vapor. The cheeks and tongue are mercury’s fastest rate of absorption. From there, Mercury can make its way into nearby tissues, traveling into the lymphatic drainage system, the lungs, and into the bloodstream, where it is free to travel throughout the body while damaging cells it comes in contact with. Mercury absorbed into the body can accumulate in any organ, including the brain, kidneys, liver, lungs, and gastrointestinal tract. The effects of the exposure can take years to show symptoms, and these symptoms can vary greatly on an individual basis.
Some Common Symptoms of Long-Term Mercury Poisoning/Mercury Toxicity are:
- Insomnia
- Irritability
- Memory Loss
- Colitis
- Diarrhea
- High/Low Blood Pressure
- Irregular Pulse
- Chest Pains
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Bronchitis
- Shallow Breathing
- Asthma
- Enlarged Thyroid
- Weakened Immune System
- Dermatitis
- Fatigue
- Metallic Taste
- Gingivitis
- Weight Loss
5 Reasons to Have Your Silver Metal Amalgam Fillings Removed:
Your Teeth Have Started to Fracture Around Your Fillings
This could happen to a tooth with a filling of any material. When a tooth is fractured, or cracking around a filling, the filling will need to be replaced. You may not feel a thing, but a fracture can be easily diagnosed by your dentist during your regular check-up and/or x-ray.
Your Fillings Have Become Sensitive
Amalgam fillings weaken your tooth structure by contracting and expanding with changing temperatures. Over the years, tiny cracks begin to develop around your old filling, and pieces may fall out. Chances are, the tooth and/or filling will become sensitive- this is your body’s way of letting you know it needs attention.
You Have Any Metal Sensitivity Issues
It is very common to have sensitivity to one or more of the metals that are in amalgam fillings. We offer lab testing to identify chemical sensitivities to determine the most compatible material to use for your fillings. Though mercury exposure effects every person differently, there is no “safe amount” of mercury exposure.
Your Metal Fillings Are Over 10 Years Old
At the ten-year mark, the margins on the fillings start to break down, leaving a small gap between the filling and the tooth. This area allows leakage and over time decay will start to form under the metal filling. Additionally, Amalgam Filling material can slowly separate over time since amalgam does not bond to the tooth structure but is held in place by retention.
You Grind or Clench Your Teeth
Tooth/enamel wear, including chipping and cracking caused by clenching and grinding, will predispose teeth to decay and often prematurely break down existing filling material.
New Podcast Episode Alert!
Mercury Amalgam Fillings: Facts and Complications on Their Removal
The Holistic Vigilantes go head-to-head with one of the most controversial dental materials: Mercury Amalgam. Why is a filling material that contains mercury being used in modern dentistry? If it’s harmful in the water you drink, how is it safe in your mouth? Tune in as the Vigilantes expose the hidden dangers of amalgam/metal/silver/mercury fillings, and how removal is important. Kim and Jen are armed to the teeth, and they’re kicking dental Amalgam to the curb (by using the proper disposal technique, because we also care about environmental health)!
Thank you for being a valued member of our dental family. Please give us a call if you have any questions or if we can be of any assistance whatsoever.