Page 2
If you have silver mercury fillings, you
may be wondering if you should have
them removed.
Page 3
TV reports have advised that you
should do so, but is there any truth
behind those reports?
Page 4
What’s actually in them?
Page 5
Silver fillings are made of a material
called amalgam.
Page 6
This material is composed of several
different metals including
silver, mercury, copper and tin.
Page 7
It may also contain zinc, palladium or
indium.
Page 9
The concern over this type of fillings is
because of the mercury itself.
Page 10
It is used because it helps to make the
material pliable.
Page 11
When it is mixed with a powder of
other metals, it forms a compound that
mixes well and can easily be pressed
into a tooth.
Page 12
This material also hardens quickly and
is able to withstand the incredible
force of biting and chewing.
Page 13
Mercury is an element that is present
in the environment.
Page 14
People are exposed to it from the
air, the water they drink and some of
the foods they eat.
Page 15
There have been concerns recently
about the amount present in the fish
we are eating.
Page 16
Like many substances, the higher the
level of mercury in a person’s
body, the more problems that may be
present.
Page 17
When people work with it, they may
have high levels of it in their system.
Page 18
These high levels can cause
symptoms such as memory
loss, headaches, fatigue and
irritability.
Page 19
The concern is how much mercury is
release into the body from the fillings.
Page 20
When they were first used, it was
thought that no mercury was released.
Page 21
However, recent studies have shown
that tiny amounts can be released as
the it wears down.
Page 22
These studies have shown that the
amount of mercury released is usually
less than the amount a person
acquires from the environment and the
food they eat.
Page 23
The U.S. Food and Drug
Administration performed studies in
2009 that concluded that these fillings
are safe for children.
Page 25
A few people may have an allergic
reaction to mercury.
Page 26
This is a very rare occurrence and
these people should have fillings
made from other materials.
Page 27
Pregnant women are often concerned
about toxins.
Page 28
While mercury can cross the placental
barrier, older fillings will not present
any health hazards to pregnant
women.
Page 29
However, if a woman needs to get a
filling during pregnancy, it is
recommended that she not choose a
silver filling.
Page 30
People who are exposed to higher
levels of mercury may want to avoid
these fillings.
Page 31
This may include people who work
with mercury or people who eat high
amounts of seafood.
Page 33
If you are concerned about mercury
being released from your fillings, you
can have your family dentist remove
them.
Page 34
Your family dentist will use a high
power suction device to remove all of
the amalgam material from your tooth.
Page 35
Your dentist will then replace them
with porcelain, composite resin or
gold.
Page 36
None of these contain mercury, but
the composite resin fillings do wear
out faster than silver and may not be
suitable for every location.
Page 37
Whether to replace them or not is an
individual decision each person will
have to make.
Page 38
However, experts recommend only
replacing them if they are worn out or
broken.
Page 39
Are you considering having your
mercury fillings replaced?
Page 40
If you live in Chandler AZ contact one
of the dentists at Shumway Dental
Care.
Page 41
They will give you the best advice on
what steps you should take for optimal
health.
Page 42
Go to
http://www.mychandlerdentists.com