eSmile News
Metal/Mercury Free Dentistry -
Frequently Asked Questions
What are mercury/amalgam fillings and how do they affect me?
Amalgam is composed of 50% mercury, a highly toxic heavy metal. The filling material releases mercury vapour when there is friction on the surface of the filling, typically when you chew. Mercury is absorbed through the lungs and into the arterial blood and is stored by your body, primarily in the kidneys, liver and brain.
The mercury in amalgam fillings expands and contracts with heat (think of the mercury in a thermometer). Due to the expansion of the metal during chewing there is a wedging effect that, in large mercury/amalgam fillings, has a high potential for cracks inside the tooth shells. This can cause fractures and subsequently lead to root canals or the loss of the whole tooth. This in turn generates the need for crowns and bridges, which could have been avoided with an alternative filling material such as composite or tooth-coloured fillings.
What other choices do you have?The good news is there are several alternatives today to the mercury / amalgam fillings. They are "composite/ceramic" and "gold". Each alternative has its own pros and cons, but when it comes to toxicity and bio-compatibility there is no comparison.
Composite or "white" fillings are a much more conservative option in today's dentistry. They can also be made much smaller than an amalgam filling used to restore the same amount of decayed tooth, so less natural tooth structure is lost. Less of your natural tooth structure needs to be removed in preparation for their placement, and they do a better job of protecting your tooth in the long run, as there is less chance that your tooth will fracture and require a crown in the future. White fillings are also bonded to the tooth and the colour can also be closely matched to your natural teeth, so the restorations are nearly undetectable. This of course results in a very natural looking smile.
How to make the decision?
Ultimately, the choice of filling material is one for both dentists and patients. Dr. Rahn shares the opinion of most modern dentists - it is time to move on to the more advanced technology and solutions available. We recommend that you research your options, discuss them with dental healthcare providers and choose the filling material that is right for you and your individual treatment needs.
What does the Canadian Dental Association have to say about mercury/amalgam fillings?
Currently the Canadian Dental Association does not recommend the replacement of intact mercury/amalgam fillings unless there are problems related to them. This is why it is important your dentist assess your current situation on a regular basis. The Canadian Dental Association does not recommend mercury/amalgam material for new fillings.
For those interested in reading more, there are many books available on the subject.
We recommend:
- "Your Toxic Teeth", by Dr. Murray Vimy, D.M.D
- "The Use of Mercury Containing Restorations (Fillings) in Dentistry", by Gordon J. Christensen, D.M.D., PhD