My View and Technique
If you opened this tab, you have probably researched silver amalgam fillings through the Internet. I have read reams of data on amalgam, studied it in dental school, and attended numerous seminars on its use and misuse. I want to summarize what I have learned and what I would recommend for you.
Amalgam was the primary dental filling material for over 150 years. It is composed of silver, tin, copper, and about 50% mercury. There are billions of amalgam fillings in service today. Over the last twenty-five years, refinements in material technology have enabled tooth colored composite to surpass amalgam as the filling material of choice. The good thing about amalgam is that it is durable, exhibits anti-decay properties, and is relatively easy to place. The bad thing about amalgam is that it is ugly, does nothing to strengthen teeth, and contains the toxic element mercury. In short, it works but has glaring faults.
The controversy over the safety of amalgam has raged since its inception. Numerous FDA and university studies affirm the safety and efficacy of amalgam fillings. Other studies indicate that there may be a correlation between micro leakage from these fillings and autoimmune disorders, kidney and liver function, and other systemic diseases. If you have one of these diseases of course you want to do everything possible to improve your health, including the replacement of amalgam.
My advice for you is that if the amalgam fillings in your mouth worry you, replace them now. It will give you peace of mind knowing that there is no mercury in your mouth. However, if you have no systemic disease and are not concerned, leave them alone. WE have replaced fillings for many of our patients at their request. They report that they feel better, but I do not have objective data to corroborate this improvement. Mutter of Germany says, “ removal of dental amalgam leads to permanent improvement of various chronic complaints in a relevant number of patients in various trials.”
There are three steps in my protocol for amalgam removal: treatment planning and discussion, safe removal, and environmentally sound disposal of the amalgam.
If you want to discuss your oral health, please call Cranford Dental at 803-324-7670 to schedule an appointment. I would be pleased to address your concerns.
