“Are silver fillings safe?”
I am a 34 year old male. I will get silver fillings next week. Are silver fillings safe?
10 Answers
Yes they are. And strong too.
Silver/mercury fillings are the cheapest material we have to restore teeth. They are safe but they also contain other materials like mercury, tin and copper. Some people are significantly sensitive or allergic to these other metals (which are difficult to test for) Modern dentistry has better longer lasting options now.
According to the American dental association, silver fillings are safe. However, they are not done as often now because of improvements in composite fillings.
Hello,
Dentists in California and other states have to collect silver filling waste and dispose of it in a toxic waste container. Silver fillings have mercury in them, which is toxic to the human body. I do not do silver fillings anymore. Unfortunately, insurance companies like them as they are the cheapest material around. So, they are still frequently used. And the dental board still deems them reasonably safe. I find it fascinating that the only two save spaces to store mercury silver fillings are in toxic waste dumps and peoples mouths! I would strongly suggest you ask about other materials for fillings.
Dentists in California and other states have to collect silver filling waste and dispose of it in a toxic waste container. Silver fillings have mercury in them, which is toxic to the human body. I do not do silver fillings anymore. Unfortunately, insurance companies like them as they are the cheapest material around. So, they are still frequently used. And the dental board still deems them reasonably safe. I find it fascinating that the only two save spaces to store mercury silver fillings are in toxic waste dumps and peoples mouths! I would strongly suggest you ask about other materials for fillings.
Yes. They actually are stronger than the white ones !
Silver (amalgam alloy) fillings have been used in Dentistry for over a century. When done properly they will last 30 yrs +. The two critical times are when the fillings are placed and when they have to be retrieved to be re-placed.
A rubber dam should be used to protect the patient and avoid saliva contamination while they are placed.
A rubber dam should be used to protect the patient and avoid saliva contamination while they are placed.
I have stopped using silver filings in my practice since 1993, I don’t recommend the use of silver filling for several reasons. Studies have shown that resin or composite fillings have better aesthetic and have the same compressive strength as silver and since it bonds the tooth together, less potential of tooth fracture.
Yes, and don't listen to those who say you're going to have "mercury intoxication" or other nonsense. It's the lack of being honest about chemistry and how elements change into something else when combined with other elements.
If your dental insurance policy will only pay for silver fillings, you can have the option of paying an additional fee for a tooth colored filling. Over the years we have seen the disadvantages of silver fillings. Silver fillings can shrink over time and bacteria can get into this space and start decay all over. When this happens dentists want to replace it with a resin, tooth colored filling.
It is your choice,
It is your choice,
Yes
