WHAT TYPES OF FILLINGS HAVE MERCURY IN THEM?

In the past when you went to the dentist with a cavity there was only one choice in the filling material. This choice was amalgam and it consisted of silver combined with other chemicals. One of these other ingredients was mercury. Dentists assumed because it was used a lot that it was a safe way to repair a tooth. However, recent information on this material suggests otherwise. Fillings, mercury based can be quite harmful to your health. Amalgam contains mercury and this can leach into your bloodstream over time. Amalgam toxicity is another name for this condition. There is a great debate among dentists concerning this substance. The ones against is believe you should have any silver fillings removed and replaced with composite resin materials. They are also concerned with the disposal of amalgam as the mercury contained in its composition can leach into water sources. The dentists who approve amalgam fillings cite the fact that it lasts twice as long as any composite resin filling material. Another thing to consider is that silver amalgam fillings over time can separate from the sides of the tooth enamel. This allows for fluid leakage between the filling and the tooth structure. Because of the decay can set up underneath the amalgam filling and lead to future issues.rnAlso, after much research it was learned that an amalgam silver filling keeps expanding over time. This can lead to fractures within the tooth structure and crowns. No one wants to deal with getting crowns but if your tooth is literally pushed apart that is a choice you will have to make. Another plus for non amalgam fillings is that they are more aesthetically pleasing. The composite resin material not only bonds better to the enamel of your teeth but it matches in color. This creates a finished restoration that is pleasing. It will also withstand the chewing and stresses that are natural in your mouth. Another choice that some people make for larger fillings are porcelain. These can be fitted and cemented in after decay removal and they give excellent results. However, these are good for larger fillings and not for tiny ones. rnSo there you are in the dentist chair with a cavity. You have done your research online or by asking friends about dental fillings. It is time to make a choice. Even if your dentist is old school and suggests amalgam silver fillings do think twice about that. Many people are having mercury fillings removed for health reasons. There are many studies that suggest the mercury goes into your blood stream and through out your body. Mercury is a volatile substance and can kill you. It is not some harmless filler material. Most dentists these days are aware of all of this information. They even have brochures you can read about it. Ask if they also have a video you can watch. If they do not then look online because it is probably there. rnMercury poisoning can be serious. It can make you feel like something is wrong but you do not know what it is. From lethargy to a general unwell feeling. Do go to your doctor to get a blood test if you suspect mercury poisoning. If you open your mouth and see several silver fillings it is a possibility. It is easy to remove the old silver amalgam fillings one at a time and dispose of them. Then the dentist will replace them with new tooth matching composite resin fillings to be proud of .rnThink of it this way do you really want a toxic substance in your mouth? It could chip off bit by bit and you are swallowing those bits. Over time this could prove to be quite lethal. This is all happening without you being aware of it. This issue does not just apply to adults. It can be a health problem for children also. Some pediatric dentists think since children lose their baby teeth that it is no big deal to put silver fillings in them. Do not do this for any reason. The results can be catastrophic as the child has a smaller body size in relation to his or her teeth. Remember, amalgam fillings contain silver and mercury. Keep this in mind when choosing the type of filling material for your dental needs.