We are a mercury free office. None of our restorations contain mercury or lead based chemicals. As many of you know, the use of dental amalgam (silver fillings) has recently been banned or is about to be banned in several European countries. As I understand the regulations, no new amalgam fillings can be placed. This step was taken because of concerns about mercury in the filling material. The American Dental Association’s official position on the subject is that dental amalgam is safe to use in new restorations, and that existing amalgam fillings have never been linked to any systemic health issues.
Despite this, many patients and dentists have concerns. As many of you know, in my practice I do not place any new amalgam fillings. We are a mercury free practice. If you have existing silver fillings, as long as they are clinically and radiographically acceptable, I usually recommend leaving the restoration in place. When they fail, we will replace it with a new mercury free restoration. Despite the ADA’s position, many patients would still prefer to have the amalgam restorations replaced prior to it being clinically necessary. Often, this is easily accomplished by using composite (tooth colored) restoration. If you have any questions or concerns about this issue please give me a call. I would be glad to discuss this on an individual basis.
