The Debate over Silver Fillings for Cavities
If you’re a baby-boomer, there’s no doubt you have silver fillings in some of your teeth. According to USA Today, silver fillings, also known as amalgam fillings, contain mercury and some have suggested replacing silver fillings with composite fillings.
The USA Today article states that both the ADA and the FDA feel that the amount of mercury contained in silver fillings is at safe levels, yet the FDA held another investigative hearing on this matter in 2011.
Other Problems with Silver Fillings
Silver fillings have been around for over 100 years. It was realized that the people working with silver fillings were at higher risk than those receiving the silver fillings in their cavities.
Aside from the neurotoxin, mercury, another problem with silver fillings was that to get the amalgam to adhere to the tooth, a not-so-deep cavity had to be made deeper. This procedure, over time, has caused teeth to weaken and to break down. If a silver filling is old enough, it too will begin to break down. This is when you must take quick action to avoid any harmful bacteria from being trapped in the filling and entering your bloodstream.
Composite Fillings
Composite fillings are used more and more for cavities, making silver fillings a thing of the past for tooth decay. Composite fillings match tooth color, look and feel natural and bond better with teeth. Composite material even strengthens the tooth to which it is applied.
If you are having a problem with your old silver fillings, call Ocean County dentist, Dr. Ron Rotem, for a complete and thorough examination. You may have old fillings that are breaking down and trapping bacteria and you may not even know it.
Take the time to talk with Dr. Rotem and find out how replacing your silver fillings with composite fillings can benefit your overall oral health.