While the American Dental Association and some dentists still see silver amalgam as a safe material for dental fillings, your Delray Beach dentist disagrees.
Dr. George Sanchez practices mercury-free and mercury-safe dentistry so that your risks are minimal when it comes to silver amalgam fillings.
Why are Silver Amalgam Fillings Dangerous?
Amalgam fillings contain mercury. Nearly 50 percent of amalgam is made up of mercury with silver, tin and nickel.
Because metals contract with heat, your fillings are contracting and expanding every time you eat something hot or cold.
Over time, your old silver amalgam fillings will not have a tight seal. This allows food particles, debris, and bacteria to move in and around the fillings. What most people don’t realize is that filled teeth can still get cavities.
On top of old decay, dental amalgam is potentially toxic because it contains mercury. Mercury has long been known to cause problems as it is classified as a toxic substance. Dentists from the mid to late 20th century had no idea that silver amalgam would have long-term physical effects.
Why is Mercury Dangerous?
While mercury thermometers are rarely used today, mercury is still used in silver amalgam fillings. One of the biggest issues with mercury is that its vapor is toxic. If those vapors are absorbed into your lungs and tissues, you could suffer from muscle aches, depression, and anxiety.
Because mercury is cumulative, it builds up in your system. The more mercury that is released when you chew the more build up you will have in your cells. So bad is mercury for humans, Denmark, Norway, and Sweden have restricted its use or banned it altogether.
Learn More About Safe Dentistry
If you would like to learn more about dental fillings that are safe for you and your family, call and schedule an appointment with your Delray Beach Dentist.
Dr. George believes in treating the whole body, not just the teeth and gums. Call for a dental consultation with Dr. George in Delray Beach today.