Mercury Mouth: Are Amalgam Fillings Safe?

Dental amalgam is a common material that is used to fill cavities. Fillings made with amalgam also referred to as silver fillings. Concerns have been raised over the years about the use of amalgam because of its mercury contents. Amalgam is a combination of metals which are the most popular and effective filling material used in dentistry in the last 150 years.

Even though it is sometimes referred to as “silver amalgam,” amalgam actually contains a combination of metals, which include silver, mercury, tin and copper. Small amounts of zinc, indium or palladium may also be used. Tooth-colored materials have now been introduce and can be used to restore teeth, so amalgam is used less often than in the past.

However, these new materials can’t be used for all situations. Amalgam is less costly than other materials and it holds up better over time, especially in teeth that go through a lot of pressure and wear from chewing.

Are Amalgam Fillings Safe?

The reason mercury is used in amalgam is because it helps make the filling material pliable. When mixed with an alloy powder, mercury creates a compound soft enough to mix and press into the tooth. It also hardens quickly and it can withstand the forces of biting and chewing. Just like most substances, the degree of harm caused by mercury in the body depends on the amount. Very low levels of mercury would not cause any ill effects. At higher levels,  for example when workers are exposed to mercury through their jobs, it can cause several symptoms, which include anxiety, irritability, memory loss, headaches and fatigue.

The controversy over amalgam is centred on how much mercury fillings is released and how much the body absorbs. Before, amalgam fillings were believed to be inert. This means that no mercury will be released once the filling is placed in the tooth. However, in recent years, sophisticated tests have another other view -very little amounts of mercury in the form of vapor can be released as the amalgam filling wears out.

Research on this amalgam issue is really complex and has arrived at various estimates of the actual amount of mercury that is released. Several reviews, however have concluded that the amount released from amalgam in the mouth is very low. Studies revealed that the amount of mercury individuals are exposed to from their fillings is less than the amount they are exposed to in their daily environment or in the food they eat.

On the issue of allergic reactions to mercury…
In very rare cases, people have allergic reactions to the mercury in amalgam. The American Dental Association reports that fewer than 100 cases of this type of allergy have been reported. People who are allergic to amalgam can receive other filling materials.

On whether pregnant women should consider amalgam fillings…

Research has not reported any health effects caused by  amalgam fillings in pregnant women. However, mercury can cross the placenta. Generally, dentists advise pregnant women to stay away from unnecessary dental care.
Women are advised not to get amalgam fillings during pregnancy. Dentists can however suggest other materials for any pregnant woman who needs a cavity filled. Some individuals who have high exposure to mercury may want to avoid amalgam fillings. This applies to people who are exposed to mercury through their jobs, or who people who eat large amounts of seafood.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]