Most people get cavities at some point in their lives and need a dentist to treat them. The majority of dentists make use of amalgam fillings when treating cavities. These metal fillings can contain a mix of tin, silver, nickel, and mercury.

Unfortunately, metal fillings have a chance of shrinking and expanding when exposed to cold and hot temperatures. Thus, they may not always cover the tooth properly. This is also referred to as microleakage.

The process of microleakage may occur over a period of time as the silver filling keeps getting pulled away from your tooth. This leaves a gap/space that can be easily filled up by bacteria (through food particles, saliva etc.), causing decay.

When left untreated, this could result in a root canal. This is why it is critical to replace metal fillings with mercury-free fillings when treating dental cavities.

Why Mercury Fillings Are Dangerous

Mercury is known to be poisonous. In fact, it is among the most toxic elements. It can vaporize in your mouth and get absorbed into your body. Medical research suggests that mercury may travel to the tissues of your body and get concentrated in them. This mercury can cause damage in various different ways.

Mercury from dental fillings may not be responsible for causing a particular disease. However, it does lead to poisoning of the body’s tissues. Depending on its area of concentration, the symptoms of mercury poisoning may vary from individual to individual. However, among the most commonly reported sites of mercury damage and concentration are the kidneys and the brain.

Advanced Aesthetic Materials

Silver fillings are essentially stuffed into the hole in the tooth. The shape of this hole is what prevents the falling out of the filling (since it isn’t actually stuck to your tooth). However, a lot of dentists are now using advanced aesthetic materials that have a strong bonding to the affected tooth.

A micro-mechanical and chemical technique is helpful in closely bonding the aesthetic material to your tooth structure. There is hardly a chance of the enamel falling off once it gets bonded. Not only is the beauty and function of your tooth restored, it also regains almost all of its original strength.

Medical research suggests that a silver filling has the effect of reducing the tooth’s strength by nearly 30 percent. On the other hand, bonded aesthetic tooth fillings could restore the strength of your tooth by up to 80 percent.

Other Options for Fillings

Porcelain fillings contain zero mercury and are nearly invisible when placed into the tooth. These are usually placed directly into the hole. The dentist hardens them immediately after preparing the tooth.

Porcelain fillings are proven to be smoother and stronger and can last a long time, owing to their improved strength and hardness. They also look beautiful. Gold and composite fillings are also excellent options that we offer.

Find Out More About Fillings During a Consultation

Dr. Dan Miller, a skilled and well-respected cosmetic dentist, can explain more about the dangers of mercury in fillings during a consultation at our office. Arrange a consultation by contacting us today.