WorldExecutivesDigest.com | Should I Have My Amalgam Fillings Removed? | Looking after your teeth is important, but, no matter how hard you try it is possible that you’ll need fillings at some point. In fact, fillings should be seen as part of the process of taking care of your teeth.
If you haven’t had an appointment recently then you should contact the best dentist in Little Bay today!
There are actually several types of filling available:
- Gold
- Amalgam
- Composite
- Ceramic
Many people prefer to keep their fillings the same color as their other teeth. However, in the past amalgam was one of the most popular choices simply because it is one of the cheapest options.
But, modern research questions whether the use of amalgam is actually a safe option.
What Is Amalgam?
Amalgam is a manmade material, it is roughly 50% mercury and 50% other metals, such as tin and silver. It is known to be one of the strongest types of filling and will last for many years. It is also one of the cheapest options.
However, there is some research has shown a link between mercury and Alzheimer’s disease, Multiple Sclerosis, brain damage, and even kidney issues.
You can see why people are wondering whether they should have their amalgam fillings removed.
Should You Remove Your Amalgam Fillings?
The short answer is no.
The main reason for this is that many filling needs to be drilled out, if you drill an amalgam filling then you’re going to release the mercury into your bloodstream. That’s an unnecessary risk. In addition, removing the filling is likely to cause damage to the tooth that’s been filled.
If your amalgam filling is in good condition the majority of dentists will recommend it is left in situ and monitored. That’s why it’s important to have regular dental appointments.
It is also worth noting that research suggests the amount of mercury vapor released by amalgam fillings is so low that you could have 15 of these filings and still not have an issue with your health. The low levels of vapor are absorbed into your bloodstream and then the kidneys remove it and push it out of the body via your urine.
The only time an amalgam filing could be a health risk is if the filling becomes damaged or you have an allergic reaction to mercury.
In short, you may have mercury in your body but it’s not insignificant enough volume to be damaging to your health.
The Next Step
However, the bottom line is that it’s your body and your health, if you’re not comfortable having amalgam fillings in your mouth you’ll need to talk to your Dentist in Little Falls regarding removing it.
Of course, being aware of the issue does mean that you can make an informed decision next time you need a filling done. As a final point, it’s worth noting that amalgam fillings are silver, that’s probably not something you’ll want in your front teeth as it will damage the look of your smile.
