Health Blog

Many of us probably don’t give much thought to what our dental fillings are made of, as long as any front-teeth fillings – the ones most easily seen – are attractive. Few people want a dark, unattractive metal filling on any of their front teeth, which is one reason many choose composite or porcelain fillings over amalgam (metal) fillings. But another more important issue has been the subject of real controversy for the past decade or so. It has divided many in the dental health community and has nothing to do with aesthetics. It is the safety of amalgam fillings. The Health Issue – Mercury Since a German study was done in 1930, dentists have known that the mercury used in amalgam dental fillings escapes into the human body. The argument lies in the determination of how much mercury seeps into the body and whether or not it is enough to cause harm. The American Dental Associations and other health organizations have deemed amalgam “valuable, viable, and safe,” but on closer reading of the ADA’s statement, the consumer must take into account its phrasing, such as “…current, insufficient data…” and “…the available evidence...,” which suggests the possibility that sometime in the future, research may, indeed, find that amalgam fillings could be toxic to human beings. Why Take the Risk? Cost seems to be a major factor in the use of amalgam fillings over composite or porcelain fillings. Amalgam fillings, in some cases, may cost up to 25% less than their alternatives, and some dentists judge it better for patients to have amalgam fillings than no fillings at all. On the other hand, other dentists have found that even though the initial cost of amalgam may be lower, over a period of years, the behavior of amalgam may increase the total cost. Being made of metals, amalgam expands and contracts with each hot or cold substance you place in your mouth. This puts continually varying pressures on the tooth holding the metal filling, and weakens it. Hairline cracks may form and go unnoticed for months or years, depending how often you go for dental checkups. The cracks may enlarge. Bacteria will spread into the tooth and thrive between the filling and the enamel. You might not notice this until a toothache happens, by which time the tooth’s nerve is dying. Over time, you may need a larger filling, a crown, a root canal, or even extraction of the tooth. What’s best for your teeth? Although dentists differ in their opinions, it’s up to the consumer to research the issue of dental amalgam fillings and to determine whether or not the risks outweigh the benefits. Then, when selecting your dentist, make sure you understand his or her position on this issue. You want to get the type of filling that you feel is (a) worth the expense; (b) will not be toxic to your body; and (c) is a filling that meets your expectations aesthetically. You can read also order cipro online