Are There Dangers to Replace Amalgam Fillings?
Dentists routinely remove amalgam fillings every day. The procedure is so commonplace, that most insurance companies cover the replacement of an amalgam filling after one year. In fact, the average life of an amalgam filling is only 5.5 to 11.5 years.1 The primary risk to a patient’s health is the competency and training of the dentist. If improperly performed, the removal of amalgam fillings can cause more harm than good. During the removal of amalgam fillings, the patient can be exposed to amounts of mercury which are a thousand times greater than the EPA allowable concentration. It is important that the dentist is trained to protect you from high concentrations of mercury by following proper safety protocols. Please see the IAOMT website for accredited dentists who have certified compentency in safe amalgam filling removal. In addition, amalgam alternatives may have a period of post operative sensitivity which usually last a couple of weeks and is common after any dental work is per
