Science-fiction fans realize that Terminators seem to do just fine being made of metal, but that doesn’t work out so well for humans. Did you know if you have too many metal fillings, it can raise the level of mercury in your blood? According to a 2009 position paper from the American Dental Association (ADA), this mercury exposure may be associated with neurological diseases, multiple sclerosis, and Alzheimer’s. Keep reading to learn about the risks of dental amalgam fillings, which contain various metals including mercury, as well as a great option to replace metal fillings in Mobile.
What Are the Worries with Metal Fillings?
While the ADA asserts that amalgam is safe for most patients, it is acknowledged that alternative filling materials are safer. Dental amalgam has been used for more than 150 years, but in 2020 the Food and Drug Administration advised against giving mercury fillings to children under age six; people with certain preexisting neurological diseases, impaired kidney function, or known mercury allergies; as well as women who are pregnant, nursing, or planning to become pregnant. It was even recommended that people do not remove their existing mercury fillings in order not to increase their risk of exposure to the metal!
“Bioaccumulation” is the steady accumulation of a chemical in the tissues or organs of the human body. This process is thought to occur because of mercury in amalgam fillings. Also, some people are allergic to components in amalgam fillings like mercury, copper, silver, or tin. An allergic reaction may result in oral lesions or other unpleasant consequences.
A 2016 study conducted by the University of Georgia found that individuals with more than eight amalgam fillings had about 150 percent more mercury in their blood than those with none. At the time, 25 percent of the American population had 11 or more fillings.
What Are My Options Instead of Metal Fillings?
Fortunately, your dentist offers tooth-colored fillings, so you avoid even the slightest chance of problems with mercury in amalgam ones. Dental composite resins work well as restorative materials because they have a tooth-like appearance, are easy to manipulate, are reasonably inexpensive, and will not dissolve in contact with liquid.
Tooth-colored fillings have good durability and resistance to fracture in small-to-midsize fillings that need to withstand moderate pressure from constant chewing. They can be used on front or back teeth to replace metal fillings.
You probably won’t have any issues with the metal in your mouth, and Terminators probably won’t take over Earth in the next few years. But why take the chance? The next time your dentist in Mobile breaks the bad news about a new cavity in your mouth, remember to request a tooth-colored filling made of composite resin.
About the Practice
At Parker Dental & Orthodontics, you can trust your smile to Dr. Hube Parker and his caring team of dental experts. We are committed to improving your overall health through excellent dentistry. Be sure to ask about our in-office Membership Plan if you don’t have dental insurance. Tooth-colored fillings are one of our many cosmetic dentistry options. Simply schedule a consultation on our website – just select our office location that is most convenient for you.