Millions of people have amalgam fillings and there is no evidence that they present a direct health risk. However this is merely an environmental measure intended to reduce mercury contamination of the environment over time. As of 2018, new regulations in the UK and European Union have restricted the use of amalgam fillings, meaning they are no longer allowed in patients under the age of 15. Some concern has been raised in the past over the elemental mercury used in amalgam (which we will get into soon), but there’s no need to worry. As the cherry on top, amalgam is more budget-friendly, as it is less costly than other dental materials available. However, amalgam fillings are more versatile than the newer materials, because they can be used for other dental situations and hold up better over time, especially in teeth that undergo wear and tear from pressure and chewing. Since many dentists now use tooth-coloured materials to fill cavities and restore teeth, amalgam fillings are less common than in the past. Also known as “silver fillings,” amalgam fillings are silver in appearance, but not in composition. What Is Amalgam?ĭental amalgam was once one of the most common materials used to fill cavities. Not to fear – we're here to help put your mind at ease and answer some of your questions about dental amalgam fillings and their safety. You might have heard rumours about amalgam fillings that contain mercury and could be wondering if it's safe to put in your mouth. “There was no new scientific evidence cited as part of the FDA recommendation,” the ADA said.Have a cavity that needs filling? Your dentist might use a dental amalgam filling to seal it up and stop the decay in its tracks. ![]() The FDA doesn’t recommend people remove or replace fillings that are in good condition because the removal can increase exposure to mercury vapor and hurt the healthy tooth structure.Īfter the FDA guidance was updated, the American Dental Association said it “reaffirms its position that dental amalgam is a durable, safe and effective cavity-filling option.” “Although the majority of evidence suggests exposure to mercury from dental amalgam does not lead to negative health effects in the general population, little to no information is known about the effect this exposure may have on members of the specific groups…who may be at greater risk to potential negative health effects of mercury exposure,” the FDA said on its websiteįor people in those vulnerable categories, the FDA suggests dentists use alternatives, like resin and glass cement fillings. ![]() ![]() The amount of vapor released depends on how much people grind their teeth and how old the particular filling is. ![]() The FDA’s updated recommendations said dental amalgam is safe for most, but there are some who should avoid the material, including pregnant women and their developing fetuses women who plan to become pregnant women who are nursing children, especially those that are under the age of six people with kidney problems and people with pre-existing neurological conditions like multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s or Alzheimer’s.ĭental amalgam is widely used because it is strong, durable and less expensive than other filling materials, but over time it can release small amounts of mercury vapor. The FDA and American Dental Association have said for years the material is safe, but advocates have called for a filling material that doesn’t contain mercury since the 1970s. The updated FDA guidance said the filling material could lead to health issues for those with a hypersensitivity to mercury.ĭental amalgam fillings are a mixture of silver, tin, copper and mercury. The US Food and Drug Administration warned Thursday that silver dental fillings, known as dental amalgam, may cause health problems for some high-risk groups.
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