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Silver fillings
-- the most common type of dental filling -- are not
actually pure silver, but a combination of silver,
mercury, tin and copper. They are also referred to
as "amalgam" fillings, which is simply the term for
the metals bonded permanently together. Mercury is
necessary because it triggers the chemical reaction
that hardens the filling once it is set in the tooth.
More than 100 million of these fillings are placed
each year in the United States.
Since 1895,
scientists have been studying mercury as a safe and
effective material for use in dental fillings. Scientists
have proven that mercury, in small, specified amounts,
does not pose a health threat to patients. The mercury
released from your fillings is actually less than
the amount naturally occurring in food, air and water.
Mercury specifications were standardized by the American
Dental Association (ADA) in 1932 to ensure the proper
universal use of mercury in fillings. Today, more
than 100 brands of dental amalgam have been accepted
for use by dentists.
In extremely
rare cases, some patients may experience a hypersensitivity
or allergy to mercury. These reactions are usually
seen as a rash on the mouth and face, similar to other
types of allergies. Once the filling has been removed
and replaced with gold, porcelain or a compound substance,
the symptoms disappear within a few days. Sometimes
a filling will cause a reaction that lasts a few days
and never reoccurs. In that case, removing the amalgam
may not be advisable because it could cause a second
reaction. According to the ADA Journal, a study conducted
by French researchers from 1905 to 1986 found only
41 published cases of allergic reactions to mercury
in fillings. That's a very small amount when you consider
the more than 100 million amalgam fillings placed
every year.
In the late
1970s, a number of articles were published questioning
the safety of dental amalgam fillings. These reports,
while unsupported by any scientific or medical evidence,
caused public concern over potential side effects
of amalgam fillings. A few dentists, seizing the opportunity
to generate new business, began to advocate replacement
of all amalgam fillings with plastic or gold. While
scientific research continues to prove the safety
of amalgam fillings, some dentists may still try to
scare patients into replacing fillings unnecessarily.
Know the facts, and be sure to confirm any diagnosis
of mercury allergy with a medical specialist, such
as an allergist or dermatologist, before agreeing
to any tests or amalgam filling removals. Fillings
should be replaced only if the restoration is defective
or worn. Practicing good oral hygiene and visiting
your dentist regularly will ensure a long life for
all your dental restorations.
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