Are you concerned about your dental amalgam fillings? If so, please reach out to Creative Dentistry & MedSpa of Atlanta to discuss whether or not replacing your dental amalgam fillings makes sense due to your individual circumstances.
What is Dental Amalgam?
Dental amalgam is a commonly used dental filling material that has been in use for over 150 years. It is a mixture of several metals, including silver, tin, copper, and mercury. The mercury content in dental amalgam is generally between 43-54%.
Dental amalgam is a durable and strong material that is relatively inexpensive and easy to use. It has been used in dentistry to fill cavities and restore damaged teeth for many years.
However, there has been some concern about the potential health risks associated with mercury in dental amalgam. While the amount of mercury in dental amalgam is generally considered safe, some people may be more sensitive to mercury and may experience adverse effects.
As a result, many dentists now offer alternative materials for dental fillings, such as composite resin or porcelain. It is important to discuss the options with your dentist and choose the best material for your individual needs.
Is Dental Amalgam a Health Risk?
The safety of dental amalgam has been a topic of debate and research for many years. While dental amalgam has been used for over 150 years and is still considered safe by many dental associations and health organizations, some people may be more sensitive to the mercury in dental amalgam and may experience adverse effects.
Mercury is a toxic substance that can cause harm to the brain and nervous system. However, the amount of mercury in dental amalgam is generally considered safe and well below the levels that could cause harm.
Several studies have been conducted on the safety of dental amalgam, and the consensus among many health organizations is that the benefits of using dental amalgam outweigh the potential risks.
However, some people may still have concerns about the safety of dental amalgam, particularly if they have allergies or sensitivities to metals or have existing health conditions that could be affected by mercury exposure. In these cases, alternative filling materials may be recommended.
It’s important to discuss any concerns you may have about the safety of dental amalgam with your dentist, who can help you make an informed decision about the best material for your individual needs.
According to a more recent FDA warning, some people in high-risk groups should avoid dental amalgam fillings “including pregnant women and their developing fetuses; women who plan to become pregnant; women who are nursing; children, especially those that are under the age of six; people with kidney problems; and people with pre-existing neurological conditions like multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s or Alzheimer’s”.
Should You Replace Dental Amalgam Fillings?
The decision to replace dental amalgam fillings is a personal one and should be based on individual circumstances. Dental amalgam fillings are durable and long-lasting, and many people have had them in their teeth for decades without any problems.
However, some people may choose to have their dental amalgam fillings replaced for various reasons, including concerns about the potential health risks associated with mercury exposure, deterioration of the filling over time, or simply for cosmetic reasons.
If you have concerns about the safety of your dental amalgam fillings or are experiencing any symptoms that could be related to the filling, such as sensitivity or pain, you should speak with the staff at Creative Dentistry & MedSpa of Atlanta.
In some cases, we may recommend replacing your dental amalgam filling with an alternative material, such as composite resin or porcelain. If you do decide to have your dental amalgam fillings replaced, it’s important to work with an experienced dentist that is qualified in the removal and replacement of dental amalgam fillings and who can take appropriate safety measures to minimize the risk of mercury exposure.
For further information about dental amalgam fillings Or to answer any questions that you may have regarding your dental amalgam fillings, please contact Creative Dentistry & MedSpa of Atlanta today!
Posted on behalf of Creative Dentistry & MedSpa