Dental Amalgam and Health
Dental amalgam is a popular choice of material used to fill in cavities. Fillings that are made with amalgam are also known as silver fillings. Through the years, several concerns about the use of amalgam have materialized because it contains mercury. Here are some of the answers to several of your questions regarding amalgam.
What is amalgam?
Amalgam is made up of a combination of metals. These metals have been used in dentistry for more than one hundred years. These materials are still being used today. Amalgam fillings are usually referred to as silver fillings but the truth is that it is made up of several metals. These metals include silver, mercury, tin, copper, and small amounts of zinc, indium, and palladium.
With the development of tooth-coloured materials for the teeth, amalgam is being used lesser and lesser nowadays. However, the newer materials can not always be used in all situations. Amalgam is significantly cheaper than all the other materials and it is very durable. It can withstand the pressures of chewing very well.
Is amalgam a safe material for fillings?
Millions of people have filled their teeth with amalgam. The concern about amalgam is its mercury content. This issue has been studied extensively. Researchers have not yet found conclusive evidence linking amalgam to significant health problems. Moreover, the United Stated Food and Drug Administration or FDA has evaluated the research on the safety of dental amalgam and finds no reason to prohibit or limit its use.
Why does mercury have to be used in amalgam?
Mercury is used in amalgam because it helps make the filling flexible. When it is mixed with an alloy powder, it results in a compound that is soft enough to mix and press into the tooth. This material also hardens quickly. It is able to withstand the pressures of biting and chewing as well.
Why are so many people concerned about the use of mercury in amalgam?
Mercury is a metal that occurs in the environment naturally. It can exist as a liquid like it does in many thermometers. It can become gas when it is heated. It can also be combined as a solid with other materials.
Everyone is exposed to mercury through the air, drinking water, soil, and food. A lot of concerns have been raised in the amount of mercury building up in fish because of the pollution. Mercury can also enter the air from industries that burn mercury-containing fuels. Mercury for many different sources can accumulate in your body and can cause harm.
Just like any other substance, the extent of harm caused by mercury is dependent on the quantity. Very low levels of mercury will not lead to any ill effects. At higher levels of exposure, mercury can cause several symptoms. This has been seen in workers who are exposed to high levels of mercury in their jobs. The symptoms include anxiety, memory loss, irritability, headaches, and fatigue.
The controversies over amalgam revolve around how much mercury is released from fillings and how much is absorbed into the body. In the past, these amalgam fillings were thought to be inert which means that no mercury was released once the filling was completed. In recent years, sophisticated tests have changed this. As the amalgam wears, small amounts of mercury in the form of vapour are released. Research on this issue is complex and has arrived at different estimates regarding the amount of mercury released. However, several reviews of the research have concluded that any amount released from the amalgam fillings is significantly low anyway. Studies show that the amount of mercury you are exposed to when you have amalgam fillings is less than the amount most people are exposed to in their daily environment.
Do people have reactions to amalgam?
It is very rare for people to have allergic reactions to amalgam although it does happen. The American Dental Association has reported less than one hundred cases of this type of allergy. If you are allergic to amalgam then you can use another material for your filling.
Is there a cause for concern if you are pregnant?
Research has shown that there are no health effects from amalgam fillings in pregnant women. However, keep in mind that mercury can cross the placenta. In general, dentists advise pregnant women to avoid any unnecessary dental care. Women should not get amalgam fillings when they are pregnant. Dentists can suggest other materials to fill a cavity for pregnant women.
Should anyone else consider alternatives to an amalgam filling?
The concern about mercury is related to the total amount of mercury absorbed from several sources therefore people who have a high exposure to mercury may consider avoiding amalgam. People who are exposed to mercury through their jobs or people who eat large amounts of seafood may want to consider avoiding amalgam fillings.
Why does your dentist take precaution when handling amalgam even though it is safe?
Since dentists work with amalgam almost everyday, they must take safety precautions because without protection, dentists can inhale mercury vapours. Over time, this exposure can result in symptoms of mercury toxicity.
When amalgam is made, dentists mix liquid mercury with a powder containing silver, tin, and other metals. Dentists purchase special capsules that contain powder and liquid mercury separated by a membrane. Special machinery is used to puncture the membrane and mix the amalgam while it is still inside the capsule. When the mixing is done, the capsule is opened. By the time the amalgam is placed in your tooth, the mercury has formed a compound with the other materials and is no longer toxic.
If you are getting an amalgam filling or if you are having an amalgam filling removed then you can be rest assured that your dentist will use high powered suction to remove any excess amalgam in your mouth. The office of your dentist has a special disposal system for excess amalgam. Special traps in the sink will prevent amalgam from entering the plumbing system.
What are the other alternatives to amalgam?
There is a dental amalgam that contains indium and mercury. The indium helps in retaining the mercury so that it is not released into the environment. There are also high copper amalgams which contain less mercury and more copper.
Dentists can also use other material to restore teeth. These materials include composite resin, porcelain, and gold. Amalgam is stronger than composite resin and requires less time to administer. Composite resin wears faster than amalgam so it can't be used all the time but composite resin blends well with the colour of your teeth.
Should you consider an amalgam-free dental office?
It isn't necessary to seek treatment at a dental office that does not use mercury. However, if you have an allergy with mercury, you should consider it. If you have any concerns about amalgam then do not hesitate to talk to your dentist about it. You can ask your dentist for other alternatives to amalgam.
Should you have your amalgam fillings removed?
You should replace amalgam fillings only when they are worn out or broken. There is no evidence that supports amalgam causing problems. In fact, if you remove them, you may even release more mercury. If you are too concerned about amalgam then you should simply choose a different material for your fillings.