Believe it or not, you are actually exposed to more mercury vapors from amalgam filling removal, than you are if you keep metal fillings in your mouth. Still, many people are dead-set on replacing metal fillings with white or tooth-colored restorations. If you feel that you’d be happier with composite-resin fillings because of dental health reasons such as discomfort or failure, that’s one thing. Should metal fillings be replaced for purely cosmetic purposes?
Amalgam and Mercury
Since the advent of less expensive metal fillings (in about 1830) which were made from an amalgam (mixture) of different metals, there has been concern over the potential of mercury poisoning. Silver contains small amounts of mercury which, in large concentrations, can be detrimental to your health. Members of the American Society of Dental Surgeons (ASDS) rallied to ban the use of amalgam materials for dental fillings that many years ago, but to this day, there have been hundreds of studies yielding no compelling evidence that metal fillings are dangerous in this way.
Composite in the First Place
While you may not want to have silver amalgam fillings removed and replaced, just in case of unnecessary mercury exposure, you can certainly opt for white fillings in the first place. Even if mercury issues are unlikely, metal expands and contracts with temperature changes. This means your silver fillings could crack or chip your teeth. If you drink more than a normal amount of extremely hot coffee and tea, or very cold water, soda, or juice, over time the expansion of your fillings is more likely. Since there are a great number of tooth colored alternatives which are bound to provide peace-of-mind for your health and aesthetics, simply ask your dentist about your white filling options.
ABOUT YOUR SCHAUMBURG DENTIST:
Dr. Brent Engelberg and his highly-skilled team proudly serve patients and their families from Arlington Heights, IL, and all surrounding communities, including; Northbrook, Deerfield, Highland Park, Wilmette, Winnetka, Glencoe, Vernon Hills, Lincolnshire, Libertyville, Skokie, Evanston, Palatine, Schaumburg, Elk Grove Village, Rolling Meadows, and the Northern and Northwest Chicago Suburbs. To learn more, schedule a consultation online, or call our office today at 847-259-8030
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