The safety of silver fillings.

For many years there has been an ongoing discussion regarding the safety of 'silver' or amalgam fillings. As alternative and natural forms of healthcare become more prevalent, many patients inquire about the safety of having these fillings in their teeth.

The concern with amalgam fillings is that they contain mercury; a well-established toxin. Trace amounts of mercury are leached from the fillings during day-to-day activities (eating, drinking, grinding our teeth). A REAL scientific study has never proven negative health effects simply by having these fillings in your teeth; however some people make the argument, "so just a little bit of poison is okay?".

As a practicing dentist in Ontario, my professional affiliations with the Canadian Dental Association, Ontario Dental Association and Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario prevent me from ethically telling a patient that they should have all their amalgams removed for the benefit of their general health. However, in our practice we do not use amalgam fillings and routinely recommend their replacement when clinically necessary. In fact, I would never place an amalgam filling in a family member of mine.

When having these fillings removed it is important that the treating dentist take reasonable measures to decrease the exposure to mercury vapour (possible use of a rubber dam, sectioning the fillings in large pieces, frequent rinsing of the mouth to get rid of amalgam particles). Below are a series of pictures showing the removal of 2 amalgam fillings in our office and their replacement with tooth-coloured filling material.

Replacement of failing amalgam fillings