Is it possible to test if there is still mercury in my 55 year old dental fillin!
Question:
Is it possible to test if there is still mercury in my 55 year old dental fillings?
Additional Details
2 months ago
I wonder why I get this feeling that so far all have contributed propaganda? Maybe it is paranoia, maybe not!
2 months ago
I wonder why I get this feeling that so far all have contributed propaganda? Maybe it is paranoia, maybe not!
Answers:
No need to test - there will be mercury left in your silver amalgam fillings. However, here are the facts: 1) about 50% of the mercury in amalgam is safely lost when the filling is initially placed, during the hand-condensing and carving of the amalgam; 2) the amount of mercury released during brushing and chewing is insignificant; 3) you will have more mercury released by unnecessarily having the fillings drilled out than if you left them alone; 4) you need about 400 amalgam fillings before any significant mercury-related ill effects take place (you only have 32 teeth). If you would like to have mercury fillings removed because of aesthetics or because they need to be replaced due to failure that is OK. But if a dentist tries to convince you to remove them to improve your health and there is nothing wrong with them, you should find a new doctor.