The recent concern over the presence of mercury in foods and other products may have you wondering about your older amalgam fillings. Today our Saint Louis dentists discuss why more and more dentists are moving away from this material and toward mercury-free dentistry.
Are Mercury Fillings Safe?
With the growing concern over the safety of mercury levels in certain foods and other products, our Saint Louis mercury-free dentist has received an increasing number of questions from concerned patients about the mercury contained in their dental fillings. These fillings are referred to as “amalgam” or sometimes “silver” fillings, and in addition to other metals, they are composed of about 50% mercury.
Although the FDA has deemed amalgam fillings to be safe for use in dental fillings, there is still quite a bit of controversy surrounding their safety and the impact they may have on one’s overall health. It is true that trace amounts of mercury vapor do leak out of these amalgam fillings over time. Understandably, this has many patients concerned about the use of this material in their restorations and especially the safety of amalgam fillings for their children.
If you have broken fillings or mercury fillings you may want to consider having them replaced.
Please contact our Saint Louis dental team to learn how we can give you the peace of mind you need and the flawless smile you deserve.