Are “silver” fillings safe?
So-called “silver” fillings are composed primarily of Mercury, a known poison, followed by silver, tin, copper and other metals. Our office does NOT provide for these metal fillings. Typically, tooth-colored, resin-based fillings, called composite; are used. Other materials (gold alloys, ceramics) are available upon request.
Silver (Amalgam) filling material contains about 50% mercury and 50% of various other metals. While there have been no conclusive studies relating the mercury in amalgam to any dangers, mercury by itself is very toxic. With the introduction of new filling materials, amalgam is not used as often as it once was. More than 70 percent of all fillings today are placed with resin or composite materials. Amalgam has been supported as being safe by the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, the FDA and the US Public Health Service.
