Should Your Mercury Fillings Come Out?

“Mercury can be harmful to the human body. Over time, it can accumulate and cause a variety of potentially serious issues. If you CHOOSE to have your mercury fillings removed, our office can do so 100% safely!”

What are mercury fillings?

All silver-colored fillings are made with mercury. The technical term for silver fillings is “amalgam”, which means a mix of metals, 50% of which is mercury, some silver, copper, tin, and zinc. Mercury is a liquid metal at room temperature. For decades this material has been used to restore the shape, structure, and function of teeth that have been damaged by decay.

When mixed, dental amalgam is moldable and shaped in a tooth. It works because it is bigger on the bottom than the top, so it is wedged in the tooth. Once it’s positioned in the cavity, the material hardens and becomes durable enough to withstand normal wear and tear. It holds a space in your tooth, but it is not bonded to your tooth. This is why mercury fillings were common for so many years.

Are mercury fillings dangerous?

Mercury fillings have been used in the United States for more than 150 years, yet today they are controversial. We look at the individual to determine if they are dangerous for us. While some argue that the amount of mercury in these fillings isn’t enough to pose a serious threat to the average adult, there is evidence to suggest that amalgam fillings can cause mercury poisoning in some individuals.

Whether or not your mercury fillings pose a threat to your health depends on a variety of factors, including your body’s natural immune response. Some people have multiple silver fillings and no reaction, while others may experience symptoms with only one small filling.

The decision of whether or not to remove them should always be made on an individual basis and what is best for your health. All dental complications must be reviewed as well. You must understand the potential complications to both your teeth and your oral-systemic health.

What issues can mercury fillings cause?

• Respiratory problems
• Cardiovascular problems
• Immune system impairment
• Mood changes
• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Muscle weakness
• Fatigue
• Tremors
• Insomnia
• Loss of appetite
• Weight loss
• Infertility or miscarriage
• Thyroid disorders

Should you have your mercury fillings removed?

If you have mercury fillings and are experiencing any symptoms (or even if you just have questions about the long-term health effects of silver fillings and whether or not you should have yours removed), it’s a good idea to schedule an appointment to discuss your options.

Some patients opt to keep their mercury fillings as long as they’re not causing any issues, while others choose to have them removed for peace of mind. Either way, it’s worth talking to our knowledgeable and experienced dentists who can examine your fillings and discuss your individual circumstances with you.

Who is at the highest risk for health problems related to mercury toxicity?

• Children
• Pregnant or breastfeeding women
• People who grind their teeth
• People who regularly chew gum
• People with MTHFR gene mutations
• Elderly people who have had their mercury fillings for a long time

What is the removal process?

If you decide to have your mercury fillings removed, it’s important to find a dentist who practices holistic, mercury-safe dentistry to remove them. At Choices in Dentistry, we use high-powered air filtration devices, medical-grade charcoal rinse, and nitrile protective barriers to ensure that no mercury enters the air or your body while we’re removing your filling.

We’re proud to be the only S.M.A.R.T. certified practice in the Chicago Loop (S.M.A.R.T. stands for “Safe Mercury Amalgam Removal Technique”). 

We’re expertly trained and experienced at safely removing silver fillings, and we’ll replace them with non-toxic fillings made from biocompatible composite ceramic resin.

Make the right choice

Schedule your new patient appointment today and see what integrative dentistry is all about. Start on the path to lifelong dental health and wellness.

Are you interested in a second opinion? Call our office (312) 368-8771.