For all these reasons, if you require a filling, consult with a metal-free dental practice such as Carmel Creek Dental in San Diego, California, before settling for metal amalgam fillings.
Since the nineteenth century, metal amalgam has been the dominant material used in dental fillings. Metal amalgam is a combination of mercury, silver, and other metals. The combination of metals makes the amalgam soft enough to be pressed in as a filling material, yet resistant to corrosion.
Health Concerns
For many years now, there have been concerns about the mercury content in the amalgam. Specifically, mercury has been shown to result in:
· Headaches
· Fatigue
· Anxiety
· Irritability
· Depression
· Memory loss
· Kidney failure
· Birth defects
For many years, the FDA has been on the fence about metal amalgam fillings. Because the regulatory is actually the tail and not the dog, it has largely followed the lead of dentists in determining whether metal amalgam fillings should continue in use. Because many dentists use metal amalgam fillings and wanted to continue to do so, the FDA has been slow to respond, saying repeatedly that there was insufficient data to make a conclusion about the possible effects of mercury released from amalgam fillings.
A Recent Turnaround
However, after years of delaying, the FDA finally came forward with a statement made as part of a settlement with a number of consumer advocacy groups. The FDA acknowledged that "Dental amalgams contain mercury, which may have neurotoxic effects on the nervous systems of developing children and fetuses." Although the FDA does not plan a ban on the fillings, it has committed to issuing special controls on mercury fillings in July 2009. These will most likely include the dentist warning patients about the potential dangers before they receive amalgam fillings and may also include bans on the use of amalgam fillings for children and women who are of child-bearing age. The FDA does not recommend removing amalgam fillings, but it does recommend that people with concerns should talk to their dentists.
Other Reasons to Avoid Amalgam Fillings
There are also a number of other reasons why you should consider avoiding metal amalgam fillings.
First, metal amalgam fillings are simply compressed down into the cavity. They are not bonded directly to the tooth, and can create spaces along their margins that hold food and harmful bacteria, fostering decay.
Second, metal amalgam fillings are differently sensitive to heat than tooth enamel. Tooth enamel insulates well and expands slowly in response to heat. Metal amalgam, on the other hand, conducts heat, and can expand much more quickly. The conduction of heat can lead to tooth sensitivity to hot or cold materials. The differential expansion can lead to cracking over time.
Finally, metal amalgam fillings are obvious in your mouth. They start out silver and turn black over time, becoming very obvious against the tooth enamel. As a result, everyone can see your fillings every time you talk.
Metal-free fillings simultaneously correct all these shortcomings of metal amalgam fillings to give you cavity correction that is both aesthetic and functional.
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