Should I Replace My Amalgam (silver) Fillings?

This is a question I get asked frequently?  What is an amalgam filling? It's basically a combination of different metals, including about 50% mercury. Studies have shown that that over time, fillings lose their mercury content. The longer the fillings are in your mouth, the higher the amount of mercury will be released from the fillings. Studies also have shown that mercury vapor is released every time you chew and subsequently, concentrations of mercury levels do indeed increase in your bodies' tissues.

The Canadian Dental Association reports that amalgams are safe, and that the amount of mercury released into the body is too minute to be harmful. The CDA does not believe dentists should remove amalgam fillings unless there is existing decay around the filling.  In Alberta, dentists are now required to separate the amalgam waste out of the water before it reaches the sewer line.  This is a strong indication that amalgam fillings may be harmful and toxic to the human body. Amalgam fillings also fracture and crumble at the edges, and cause teeth to fracture due to the expansion and contraction of the mercury in the filling.  When Dr. Rhemtulla removes old amalgam filling, there is a 90% chance of recurrent decay under the filling. This is due to the microscopic leakage that occurs along the edges of the filling.

Should you replace your existing amalgam fillings? Dr. Rhemtulla advises to remove old amalgam fillings that have cracks, leakage or decay. Also, if you suffer from an autoimmune disease, such as Multiple Sclerosis, studies have shown that mercury and other toxic metals in your bloodstream may exacerbate your disease. So you may want to remove existing amalgams if you suffer from these types of diseases.

At Centennial Smiles we are an amalgam and mercury free practice.  We use direct composite (tooth colored) bonded restorations that are chemically attached to the teeth, and contain no toxic metals