Amalgam (silver-mercury fillings): Dangerous for the environment, but OK in your mouth?

Amalgam, which is the silver-mercury material commonly used for filling teeth, has been controversial since its invention 200 years ago (1819).  Literally, 200 years ago!  The controversy, of course, is based on the mercury component of the material.  Mercury has long been known as toxic.  Exposure to significant amounts of mercury can have very serious health implications.  

Dr. Barr hasn't used amalgam in nearly 25 years - mainly because most patients don't want ugly black fillings when tooth colored fillings can be done.  The "advantages" of amalgam is that it's generally cheaper and easier to place than white composite resin fillings.

A new cavity cleaned out and restored with tooth-colored composite resin.  Dentistry by Dr. Michael Barr.

Is it safe?

The mercury in silver dental amalgam has been long argued as "safe," because it's "locked up" via chemical reaction with the silver alloy.  Furthermore, there has not been any credible / accepted scientific evidence that amalgam dental fillings are harmful in any way.  And, we probably never will have solid scientific evidence, as the performance of such experiments or studies on humans is considered unethical (if one of the groups may be harmed in the process).

That said, a recent EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) ruling has mandated that all dental offices install an amalgam trap in their suction system.  They have determined that amalgam waste (the little chunks of excess filling when placing them, or the chunks of old fillings being removed) is toxic and bad for the environment.

Silver-mercury amalgam dental fillings replaced with tooth-colored composite resin.  Dentistry by Dr. Michael Barr.

So, which is it, Mr. Government Authority?

Consider these opposing positions (each links to their respective web pages on this topic):

1. The EPA has deemed amalgam too dangerous to put into the sewer or garbage.
2. The FDA has deemed amalgam safe to be place in your mouth (teeth).

 

What should I do?

Should you have your amalgams removed?  Currently the state dental board prohibits dentists from recommending amalgam removal for medical reasons.  But, that doesn't mean you can't make that decision / request yourself.

Are there any risks to removing silver-mercury amalgam fillings?

There are possible risks involved in removing any fillings.  If they are large or deep, it could cause the nerve of the tooth to become inflamed and require root canal therapy.  It's fairly infrequent, but it happens.  Some larger old fillings will need to be crowned instead of re-filled, if they are large and the remaining natural tooth structure is minimal.

Large silver-mercury amalgams removed and replaced by porcelain crowns. Dentistry by Dr. Michael Barr.

If you have any questions, or would like to schedule a complimentary consultation, please contact us by:

• Phone:  561-736-2377
• By email:  DrBarr@palmbeach-smiles.com 
• Click here to make an appointment online.

You can visit our website at:  www.PalmBeach-Smiles.com