If you are of a certain age, you may have fillings that were created in the 1970s. Some of those fillings contained mercury, which you might have read can be hazardous. If you have fillings that are older, should you get them replaced? Here is an explanation of your options.
Mercury Fillings
In the middle of the 20th century, most children and adults who needed their teeth repaired due to a cavity had their cavities repaired with silver amalgam fillings. The silver fillings had a bit of mercury in them because mercury was thought to be disease-fighting, which would work great to keep teeth healthy. However, as time went on, some people developed diseases, such as autoimmune diseases, that may be connected to mercury amalgam fillings.
Is It Time to Replace My Fillings?
The Food and Drug Administration suggests you leave your mercury fillings alone if they are intact and you are healthy. That is because removing the fillings may cause more problems for you than if you left the fillings inside your mouth.
For some adults, removing the fillings may cause you to inhale mercury vapor. This can be hazardous to your health. Also, removing a large filling may cause the tooth to crack or break. A broken tooth means that you may need additional work on that tooth, such as a crown.
However, some adults do not like the look of their silver amalgam fillings and want to get them replaced. Or they are concerned about the impact on their health.
Dentists can make your new fillings the same color as your teeth so they offer you a cleaner, neater appearance for your smile. If you are unsure what to do, it is a good idea to talk with our dentist so that you can make a decision that is right for your teeth and your overall health. Contact our dental offices today.
If you are of a certain age, you may have fillings that were created in the 1970s. Some of those fillings contained mercury, which you might have read can be hazardous. If you have fillings that are older, should you get them replaced? Here is an explanation of your options.