Do silver colored (amalgam) tooth fillings need to be replaced?
Our patients often ask if it is necessary to have their silver (amalgam) fillings replaced. Amalgam fillings have a long history in dentistry. The first dental amalgams were placed in the 1800”s and have been the subject of much controversy and debate. Amalgam fillings are made from a combination of primarily mercury silver, copper and tin.
If your fillings are in good condition and there is no decay beneath the filling, the FDA does not recommend that you have your amalgam fillings removed or replaced. Removing intact amalgam fillings results in unnecessary loss of healthy tooth structure and exposes you to a temporary increase in mercury vapor released during the removal process. Intact amalgam fillings in any individual, including the sensitive groups such as pregnant/nursing mothers and children, should not be removed for the purpose of preventing any disease or health condition, unless considered medically necessary by a health care professional. If you have a health condition (especially sensitivity/allergy to mercury, or neurological/kidney disease), you may discuss the need for removal and replacement with your dentist and/or physician.
The American Dental Association Resolved in October 2022, that to advocate to a patient or the public the removal of clinically serviceable dental amalgam restorations solely to substitute a material that does not contain mercury is unwarranted and violates the ADA Principles of Ethics and Code of Professional Conduct
Our patients often ask if it is necessary to have their silver (amalgam) fillings replaced. Amalgam fillings have a long history in dentistry. The first dental amalgams were placed in the 1800”s and have been the subject of much controversy and debate. Amalgam fillings are made from a combination of primarily mercury silver, copper and tin.
If your fillings are in good condition and there is no decay beneath the filling, the FDA does not recommend that you have your amalgam fillings removed or replaced. Removing intact amalgam fillings results in unnecessary loss of healthy tooth structure and exposes you to a temporary increase in mercury vapor released during the removal process. Intact amalgam fillings in any individual, including the sensitive groups such as pregnant/nursing mothers and children, should not be removed for the purpose of preventing any disease or health condition, unless considered medically necessary by a health care professional. If you have a health condition (especially sensitivity/allergy to mercury, or neurological/kidney disease), you may discuss the need for removal and replacement with your dentist and/or physician.
The American Dental Association Resolved in October 2022, that to advocate to a patient or the public the removal of clinically serviceable dental amalgam restorations solely to substitute a material that does not contain mercury is unwarranted and violates the ADA Principles of Ethics and Code of Professional Conduct
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