It is unfortunate, but many dental practices around the country do not feel the need to replace silver fillings with tooth-colored alternatives. The fact is silver (amalgam) fillings are more likely to cause harm to natural tooth structure compared to composite resin, the material that our practice uses to fill damaged teeth.
The Center for Advanced Dentistry does not use metal fillings or traditional fillings of any kind for several reasons. To learn why silver fillings have more potential to cause harm, keep reading this post from a mercury-free dentist!
Traditional Amalgam Results in Mercury Exposure
According to the World Health Organization’s limit on mercury exposure, being exposed to as little as 25 micrograms of mercury per cubic meter of air is harmful. With that in mind, simple acts like brushing, chewing or grinding teeth have the potential to release far more mercury vapor per cubic meter of air, as demonstrated by Dr. Tom McGuire, a dentist and author on the dangers of mercury in dentistry.
Furthermore, mercury is considered to be the most poisonous, naturally-occurring, non-radioactive substance on the planet. It has the potential to exacerbate over 100 different health issues, including heart disease, autoimmune disease, chronic fatigue syndrome, multiple sclerosis, allergies, neurological problems and so on.
It is quite clear that it is much better to remove all risk when restoring teeth and choose composite resin, a completely metal-free option for filling teeth damaged by decay. Of course, the risks of mercury are not the only reason dentists are moving away from traditional amalgam.
Mercury Only Causes Further Damage to Tooth Structure
Mercury exposure is dangerous on its own, but silver fillings also pose a higher risk of damaging tooth structure in general, especially in the long-term. When metal is exposed to hot and cold temperatures on a daily basis, it expands and contracts. As this occurs, the filling acts as a wedge that continuously breaks natural tooth structure further. Eventually, the tooth could become so fractured that it needs to be fully extracted, forcing you to pay more dental costs for restorative treatments.
At the Center for Advanced Dentistry, we work hard to help you maintain as much of your tooth structure, which is why we offer composite resin (tooth-colored) fillings to restore teeth instead of silver amalgam.
We Are Listed as a Mercury-Free Dentist!
If you visit Tom McGuire’s website, you will find a directory that lists all dentists and practices that have taken the pledge to not use mercury to restore teeth. This is known as the Directory of Mercury Safe Dentists & Mercury Free (Amalgam Free) Dentists and is the largest and most comprehensive list of mercury-free dentists you can find online.
To have your silver fillings replaced with BPA-free, tooth-colored, composite resin fillings that work to protect your teeth and overall health, schedule an appointment with a holistic dentist today!
About the Author
Dr. Benjamin Hornstein can safely remove your amalgam fillings and detoxify your mouth of all harmful substances, including mercury and copper, two materials commonly found in old and new dental fillings. We also work to responsibly dispose of these materials in order to avoid polluting the environment. To learn more about the process, you can contact him through his website.