If you are under 30, there's a good chance you have never had a silver amalgam filling. However, if you were a child in the 1970s and 1980s, there's a good chance you have silver amalgam fillings. Many people worry that because silver amalgam fillings contain trace amounts of mercury, they need to be replaced. However, that isn't always the case. Here is more information about silver amalgam fillings and when you might need to have them replaced.
What Are Silver Amalgam Fillings?
Nearly all fillings in the past were made of a mixture called amalgam. In the past, amalgam fillings were silver in color, and they contained a bit of silver, mercury, tin, zinc, and copper. In the 1970s, these fillings were considered an amazing advancement because they would last a long time.
However, some people began to have problems with the silver amalgam fillings, and many dentists no longer use them. Some dentists stopped because the silver did not look as aesthetically pleasing as tooth-colored fillings, which is the current standard. Other dentists worried about the mercury contained in the silver amalgam fillings, so they stopped using them.
Should I Be Worried About the Fillings?
There are people who may need to consider getting their silver amalgam fillings removed. If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, you may want to consider removing the fillings. If you have a neurological disorder or problems with your liver or kidneys, talk to your dentist about your fillings. Otherwise, you can leave the fillings in.
Of course, if you notice that you have a cracked filling, or you are suffering from tooth pain, you may need to have the filling replaced with a composite filling. Composite fillings are made of porcelain and glass with additives and epoxies to look much like your natural teeth. Check with your dentist if you have concerns.
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If you are under 30, there's a good chance you have never had a silver amalgam filling. However, if you were a child in the 1970s and 1980s, there's a good chance you have silver amalgam fillings. Many people worry that because silver amalgam fillings contain trace amounts of mercury, they need to be replaced. However, that isn't always the case. Here is more information about silver amalgam fillings and when you might need to have them replaced.