Amalgam Fillings?!

Amalgam Fillings?

I have several amalgam fillings, and I have learned that they can leach mercury into your mouth? Can you get them replaced, if so, how much? Is it a health risk to keep these them in your mouth?

This is one of those subjects that has very vocal support on both sides, and very little substantive evidence on anything. I've linked the wiki page that does a pretty decent job of outlining the arguements, most of which are based on "common sense" but no research.

If it were truely as much of a problem as the detractors of amalgam fillings were leading you to believe, it seems that people would be falling out with mystery illnesses all over the place since most adults have at least one, and they have been used for over 150 years.

The FDA still approves amalgram fillings, and the ADA has cautioned it's member dentists against recommending replacement to their patients. There was a time when lots of dentists were replacing them under the scare scenario because it was a big increase in business. The ADA does not support increasing business by doing unnecessary procedures.

If, however, you would be more comfortable having them replaced, you will not have a problem finding a dentist that will do it. The cost will be similar to having a filling, or perhaps slightly higher due to the higher cost, and added steps required to use a composite material. In some molars with large fillings, a crown may be required to provide adaquate strength. This will be significantly more expensive than the filling cost.

There are a lot of things in our world that pose a greater risk than mercury in our fillings, but if this is causing you unnecessary worry and anxiety, consult your dentist about replacing them.