If you have silver mercury fillings, you

may be wondering if you should have

them removed.

TV reports have advised that you

should do so, but is there any truth

behind those reports?

What’s actually in them?

Silver fillings are made of a material

called amalgam.

This material is composed of several

different metals including

silver, mercury, copper and tin.

It may also contain zinc, palladium or

indium.

The concern over this type of fillings is

because of the mercury itself.

It is used because it helps to make the

material pliable.

When it is mixed with a powder of

other metals, it forms a compound that

mixes well and can easily be pressed

into a tooth.

This material also hardens quickly and

is able to withstand the incredible

force of biting and chewing.

Mercury is an element that is present

in the environment.

People are exposed to it from the

air, the water they drink and some of

the foods they eat.

There have been concerns recently

about the amount present in the fish

we are eating.

Like many substances, the higher the

level of mercury in a person’s

body, the more problems that may be

present.

When people work with it, they may

have high levels of it in their system.

These high levels can cause

symptoms such as memory

loss, headaches, fatigue and

irritability.

The concern is how much mercury is

release into the body from the fillings.

When they were first used, it was

thought that no mercury was released.

However, recent studies have shown

that tiny amounts can be released as

the it wears down.

These studies have shown that the

amount of mercury released is usually

less than the amount a person

acquires from the environment and the

food they eat.

The U.S. Food and Drug

Administration performed studies in

2009 that concluded that these fillings

are safe for children.

A few people may have an allergic

reaction to mercury.

This is a very rare occurrence and

these people should have fillings

made from other materials.

Pregnant women are often concerned

about toxins.

While mercury can cross the placental

barrier, older fillings will not present

any health hazards to pregnant

women.

However, if a woman needs to get a

filling during pregnancy, it is

recommended that she not choose a

silver filling.

People who are exposed to higher

levels of mercury may want to avoid

these fillings.

This may include people who work

with mercury or people who eat high

amounts of seafood.

If you are concerned about mercury

being released from your fillings, you

can have your family dentist remove

them.

Your family dentist will use a high

power suction device to remove all of

the amalgam material from your tooth.

Your dentist will then replace them

with porcelain, composite resin or

gold.

None of these contain mercury, but

the composite resin fillings do wear

out faster than silver and may not be

suitable for every location.

Whether to replace them or not is an

individual decision each person will

have to make.

However, experts recommend only

replacing them if they are worn out or

broken.

Are you considering having your

mercury fillings replaced?

If you live in Chandler AZ contact one

of the dentists at Shumway Dental

Care.

They will give you the best advice on

what steps you should take for optimal

health.

Go to

http://www.mychandlerdentists.com