Should You Have Your Amalgam Fillings Replaced?
Amalgam fillings: though their use is far less common in recent years, a fair number of people over the age of 30 are likely to have amalgam fillings; they’re easy to spot: if you have a silver-colored filling, you’ve got them.
The problem is that not everyone knows just what amalgam fillings are:
(Source)Referred to in the industry as dental amalgam, mercury fillings are comprised of almost equal parts of elemental liquid mercury and an alloy powder composed of silver, tin, copper and sometimes smaller amounts of zinc, palladium, or indium
That’s right: amalgam fillings are made with mercury - the same element that leads to warnings about eating too much tuna and other fish, and the same mercury that used to be used in thermometers like the ones that fire departments collect in exchange for a newer, digital version.
So, should you have your amalgam fillings replaced? There’s some evidence that it may be a good idea:
(source)Scientific studies have shown that these fillings emit small amounts of mercury vapor, which some experts believe could be harmful to people’s health because they can inhale and ingest this vapor
In other words, you might want to take the time to talk with your dentist about whether or not having your amalgam fillings replaced is a good idea. Not only will clear fillings improve the look of your teeth - creating a more natural appearance - but also you may find that it has an overall positive effect on your health.
