Understanding the Benefits of silver fillings safe replacement
Dentists have used silver mercury fillings for years to treat cavities and minor tooth decay. However, with more awareness of the dangers of heavy metals in medicine, many patients want to replace their metal fillings with safer, metal-free alternatives.
The advancement in holistic dentistry has enabled the safe removal of mercury restorations.
What are mercury silver fillings?
Silver mercury fillings are a mixture of several metals, including copper, zinc, silver, and mercury. These fillings typically contain around 50% mercury, with the other metals comprising 50%. Despite being FDA-approved, many patients desire to have their amalgam fillings removed due to the high mercury content.
Silver mercury fillings release mercury vapors as you chew and grind your teeth, which your lungs absorb as you breathe. While small amounts of mercury aren’t dangerous, over time, mercury builds up in your body, putting you at risk of brain and kidney complications.
Benefits of safely replacing silver mercury fillings
We recommend the safe removal of silver mercury fillings to reduce mercury exposure. Also, like other restorations, you must remove your silver mercury fillings when they become loose or damaged. Broken metal fillings emit high amounts of mercury vapors and expose the tooth underneath to further damage.
Following are the benefits of removing and replacing silver mercury fillings with metal-free, biocompatible composite fillings:
- Better esthetics: silver mercury fillings darken over time as they oxidize due to the wet oral environment, making them noticeable when smiling or talking. Replacing your silver mercury fillings with composite restorations boosts your self-confidence to smile whenever you feel like it.
- Safety: Removing silver mercury fillings reduces mercury exposure, preserving oral health and overall well-being
- Strengthened teeth: Metal restorations don’t bond optimally with your tooth. That means they don’t offer weakened teeth the needed support and protection. Biocompatible composite fillings form a strong bond with your tooth to protect it from further damage.
- Protects your tooth from sensitivity: Natural enamel insulates your tooth internals from temperature changes. Metal fillings aren’t good insulators, so your sensitive nerves experience pain and sensitivity as you consume cold and hot foods and drinks. Additionally, metal fillings change in size as temperatures vary. Over time, this expansion and contraction put pressure on your tooth, causing chips and cracks.
While removing silver mercury is right, only do it through a professional. When mercury is exposed to heat during removal, it vaporizes, and your body can easily absorb it. Dr. Beata A. Carlson and Associates observe safety precautions when removing your silver mercury fillings to ensure you don’t breathe or swallow mercury.
Want to replace your silver mercury fillings with safer, esthetically appealing restorations? Call 727-888-6929 to talk to Natural Dentistry about safe silver mercury replacement services.
