The Mercury Controversy

Serving Phoenix, Mesa, Tempe and Scottsdale, Arizona

Silver amalgam fillings are being used less and less. This is partly due to their unappealing appearance, but many people are avoiding them or having them replaced because of the health problems they may cause. The medical community is divided on the issue.

What we know
Amalgam fillings contain about 50% mercury. Mercury is known to be a highly toxic substance. Mercury vapors are released from filling when they are placed, when they are removed, and when you chew.

Mercury poisoning
Some of the negative health effects of mercury poisoning include:

• Gum problems
• Loose teeth
• Mood swings
• Hallucinations
• Memory loss
• Tremors
• Alzheimer’s disease
• Birth defects
• Multiple sclerosis
• Arthritis
• Kidney damage

What we don’t know
It is yet to be determined how much mercury is actually released by amalgam fillings and absorbed into the body. Some studies have been conducted, but the results have been conflicting.

The law
The FDA met in 2006 on the subject of amalgam fillings. The advisory panel found that there was no evidence that amalgam fillings cause health problems in most people. But it recommended that the FDA reevaluate the literature, wanting more information about the effects on pregnant women, children, people who are sensitive to mercury and on the exposure levels during placement and removal of fillings.

Lawmakers around the country have been trying to phase out the use of amalgam fillings due to the potential health risks and the environmental impact of mercury waste.

Dentists
Many dentists have decided to make their practices “metal free” partly due to the health risks of mercury, but also because amalgam fillings can damage your teeth. Today we have much better materials for dental restorations – porcelain and dental bonding -- which are more aesthetically pleasing, better for your teeth, and do not pose potential health risks.

At this time we do not know for sure whether the amounts of mercury released into your body from tooth fillings is dangerous. But with superior materials available, we choose not to expose our patients to any possible risk.

Dr. Lesueur, serving Mesa, Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tempe and other East Valley Cities in Arizona, combines LVI training and state-of-the-art technology to bring you, and your entire family, the very best and healthiest cosmetic dentistry solutions. You can learn more by reading our replace your old fillings page, viewing our Patient Gallery, and by contacting our cosmetic dentists today to schedule your initial consultation.