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The American Dental Association supports the ongoing safety of mercury amalgam fillings and believes that no direct evidence ties their use to medical problems or toxicity in the patient. Despite this, a patient may choose to have fillings replaced because of a perceived link between the mercury and a chronic medical problem or for the cosmetic appearance of porcelain or composite fillings, which look like natural teeth. In other cases, additional decay may threaten a tooth with an amalgam filling, and the patient chooses that opportunity to replace the entire mercury filling.
When deciding whether to replace mercury fillings, note that other types of fillings, such as composite resin, need to be replaced more frequently than mercury amalgam fillings, necessitating potentially more dental treatments over the life of the patient. Additionally, removal of the mercury amalgam fillings disrupts them and breaks them up, potentially exposing the patient to more mercury through swallowing or breathing it in during their removal than by keeping them intact. Discuss with your dentist the benefits and risks of mercury filling removal before proceeding.
When mercury fillings are removed, the mercury must be disposed of properly to reduce the environmental impact of the mercury, which can end up in the water supply or contaminating the ground. If you are concerned about the environmental consequences of having your mercury fillings removed, ask your dentist about procedures for safely disposing of mercury fillings. Waste treatment programs help offices safely dispose of potentially toxic materials such as mercury. - If you decide to remove your mercury fillings, ask your dentist to provide certain services to help ensure your safety from additional mercury exposure. First of all, to reduce the risk of swallowing, ask your dentist to place a dental dam, which creates a barrier between the work being done and your esophagus. Ask the dentist to keep the work area cool with a constant stream of water during the filling removal. Ask about your dentist's procedures for keeping mercury out of the air. Some dentists provide oxygen to a patient having mercury fillings removed to help protect from breathing airborne mercury. Look for an air purifier to help remove airborne mercury from the air in the office.
