There are several options for dental filling materials today, but mercury amalgam fillings used to be the standard. They’re made from about 50 percent liquid mercury (also known as “elemental mercury”) combined with a powdered alloy made of silver, tin, and copper. For decades, dentists regularly used mercury amalgam fillings to repair tooth decay because of its durability and cost-effectiveness, despite the lack of aesthetic appeal.

“Dentists have used these fillings for more than 150 years all over the world,” Nathan Janowicz, DMD tells Cleveland Clinic.

Since the introduction of composite resin fillings in the 1960s and the subsequent improvements, many dentists have gradually moved away from providing mercury-containing fillings. Still, amalgam fillings remain in use today and their safety has been the subject of much debate due to their mercury content. 

It was originally thought that the mercury was securely contained within the amalgam, so the patient would not experience any exposure to mercury vapors after the filling was placed. 

Today we know differently. Research has shown that small amounts of mercury are emitted from the fillings over time.

When people chew or the teeth are heated, the fillings emit mercury vapor that is absorbed by the body. The FDA released a statement in 2020 attesting to this, noting that the level of exposure can differ from person to person.

“The amalgam releases small amounts of mercury vapor over time,” the FDA reports, having studied the scientific literature and monitored reports on the subject for more than 20 years. “How much vapor is released can also depend on the age of the filling as well as a person’s habits such as teeth grinding.”

Mercury is believed to be a highly potent neurotoxin, and any amount of it could be dangerous to living beings. Dr. Ryan Jones explains why the authorities should be more concerned about enabling mercury fillings in the mouth.

Video Transcript

We are concerned about the danger of mercury in dental amalgam fillings, quite simply because mercury is the most potent neurotoxin known to man. We know that the mercury vapor that off-gases from these teeth that are filled with those amalgams is something that accumulates over time. Now some people are healthy enough to where that doesn’t translate into tangible problems and other people aren’t, but why should we be trying to define a safe amount of a dangerous substance? I think there is a categorical problem with the fact that the Environmental Protection Agency limits what I do when I remove mercury from your mouth but the Food and Drug Administration does not limit me from putting it in your mouth in the first place.

• Pregnant women and their developing fetuses
• Women who are planning to become pregnant
• Nursing women and their newborns and infants
• Children, especially those younger than six years of age
• People with pre-existing neurological diseases such as multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer’s disease or Parkinson’s disease
• People with impaired kidney function
• People with known heightened sensitivity (allergy) to mercury or other components of dental amalgam.

Nashville Restorative Dentistry offers safe mercury amalgam filling removal and replacement for any patient concerned about exposure. We take the risk of mercury exposure seriously, and we are passionate about improving our patients’ overall health. 

We have several procedures and precautionary measures in place that go above and beyond to minimize mercury exposure during the filling removal process, including: 

• Protecting your body, face, and hair from any mercury particles with a disposable drape
• Providing an alternative oxygen source to avoid any inhalation
• Placing a Dental AirVac within eight inches of the patient’s mouth to help eliminate and filter any mercury vapors
• A non-latex rubber dam to isolate the teeth involved
• A three-day course of Lypo-Spheric Vitamin C leading up to the procedure
• Providing activated charcoal capsules for the patient after the procedure to bind to any potential particles that made their way into the intestines
• HEPA air filters throughout the office

If you’re concerned about your mercury fillings, we are here to help. We can safely remove them and replace them with a non-toxic metal-free alternative.

Holistic dental care for any issue

Your oral health affects the rest of your body. A healthy mouth is critical to achieving and maintaining whole-body wellness.

Nashville Restorative Dentistry is committed to supporting complete wellness through holistic, metal-free dentistry. We use biocompatible materials and avoid the use of potentially concerning substances like BPA, mercury, fluoride, and unnecessary radiation. You deserve to feel confident about the safety of your care and the quality of your smile. We’re passionate about identifying the underlying causes of any issue you may be experiencing as opposed to just treating symptoms, so you can restore your health and confidence for the long term.

Get the excellent, forward-thinking care you deserve by calling us at (615) 640-8494 today, or click here to schedule an appointment.

We are equipped to handle the majority of your dental needs.

We understand the importance of having a dentist you can trust. And that means not being sent off to a different specialist every time you need a new procedure. At Nashville Restorative Dentistry, we are equipped to handle the majority of your dental needs, from cosmetic to restorative, implants to extractions. When you come to us, you are getting a dental team for life.

Sources

Parkway Dentistry –  “The History of Composite Resins”

FDA – “FDA Issues Recommendations for Certain High-Risk Groups Regarding Mercury-Containing Dental Amalgam”

World Health Organization – “Mercury and Health”

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