Is Dental Amalgam Safe?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Dental amalgam is

considered a safe, affordable and durable material

that has been used to restore the teeth of more than 100 million Americans. It contains a mixture of metals such as silver, copper and tin, in addition to mercury, which binds these components into a hard, stable and safe substance.

Is amalgam filling banned?

The United States is also considering

the ban

. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) already ordered the ban, considering the possible harm of these fillings. In the document FDA released, amalgam fillings ban in European countries like Norway, Denmark, and Sweden.

Can dental amalgam cause cancer?

Summary. To date,

there is no evidence that amalgam fillings cause cancer

, or have any other adverse health effects. The only possible risk is that amalgam dental fillings can sometimes cause local side effects or allergic reactions.

Should I remove amalgam fillings?

Should Dental Amalgam Fillings Be Removed? If your filling is in good condition and your dentist or health care professional says there is no decay beneath the filling,

removal of your amalgam filling is not recommended

.

Are amalgam fillings banned in the UK?

But don’t worry, they also state “Based on this evidence, FDA considers dental amalgam fillings safe for adults and children ages 6 and above”. … However,

the use of dental amalgam has recently been banned in the UK in children under 15

.

How do you rid your body of mercury?

Your body naturally gets rid of mercury and other potentially toxic substances through feces. Eating more fiber helps to move things more regularly through your gastrointestinal tract, resulting in more bowel movements. Try adding these high-fiber foods to your diet.

How do I know if my amalgam filling is leaking?


If you notice that your teeth are darkening

, it may be the result of the metal leaking out of the filling and into your tooth. You may also feel soreness, or notice that your filling can “give” under pressure. Both are symptoms of a failing amalgam filling.

How do dentists remove amalgam fillings?


An evacuator

is a high powered suction system that can quickly and effectively remove everything from amalgam particles to mercury vapor. When removing an amalgam filling, a high volume evacuator should be used as it will dramatically reduce a patient’s exposure to mercury vapor and harmful amalgam particles.

What are the dangers of mercury?

The inhalation of mercury vapour can produce

harmful effects on the nervous, digestive and immune systems, lungs and kidneys

, and may be fatal. The inorganic salts of mercury are corrosive to the skin, eyes and gastrointestinal tract, and may induce kidney toxicity if ingested.

What is the safest type of filling?


Amalgam fillings

Which countries have banned mercury fillings?

In the document FDA released, amalgam fillings

Are white fillings safer than amalgam?

White-colored fillings are

mercury free fillings

. They won’t harm your health like the mercury fillings can. The tooth-colored fillings are made of a composite mixture of glass and plastic. These fillings are not only less toxic than silver amalgam fillings; they’re much more pleasing to the eye.

What foods get rid of mercury?

  • cilantro.
  • garlic.
  • wild blueberries.
  • lemon water.
  • spirulina.
  • chlorella.
  • barley grass juice powder.
  • Atlantic dulse.

What are the symptoms of heavy metals in the body?

  • Abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea (the hallmark symptoms with most cases of acute metal ingestion)
  • Dehydration.
  • Heart abnormalities such as cardiomyopathy or abnormal heart beat (dysrhythmia)
  • Nervous system symptoms (e.g. numbness, tingling of hands and feet, and weakness)

How long does it take your body to get rid of mercury?

Mercury does not stay in the body forever. It takes

about six months to a year

to leave the bloodstream once exposure stops. Some researchers think mercury can permanently damage the nervous system in children.

Should you replace old amalgam fillings?

Dental amalgam is often used to fill large areas of decay on back teeth. Generally, replacing metal dental fillings for cosmetic reasons should

only be done after careful consideration

and if your dentist feels it won’t compromise the long-term health of your teeth.

David Martineau
Author
David Martineau
David is an interior designer and home improvement expert. With a degree in architecture, David has worked on various renovation projects and has written for several home and garden publications. David's expertise in decorating, renovation, and repair will help you create your dream home.