San Francisco and Marin CA
Do you have metallic fillings in your mouth? These restorations, known as amalgam fillings, were a standard method of treatment in dentistry for decades. Older dental work like this also carries with it certain health risks. Your San Francisco dentists explore this topic in greater detail today on the blog.
Amalgam fillings contain mercury
In fact, the composition of these fillings may include up to 50% mercury. These restorations can release mercury vapors any time you eat, drink, brush, floss or otherwise stimulate your teeth, such as when someone clenches or grinds their teeth – a condition known as bruxism. Mercury exposure also may occur when amalgam fillings are placed in the mouth or repaired
These vapors then may be absorbed into the bloodstream, where they can lead to psychological, neurological or immunological problems. Children and fetuses are at the highest risk of developing health problems related to mercury exposure because their brains still are developing. Certain chronic conditions can lead to a heightened sensitivity to mercury. These include multiple sclerosis, kidney disease, Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s disease.
Dental mercury also is a major source of pollution, as the mercury in wastewater enters public water treatment systems and converts to methylmercury. This is a highly toxic form of mercury scientifically proven to negatively affect the function of the brain and nervous system, especially for children. Mercury also can be dangerous if it enters the air, water, and soil—especially as it accumulates over time and mercury levels increase.
Are amalgam fillings still in use?
Yes. Neither the American Dental Association nor the Food and Drug Administration has advocated against the use of amalgam in dental work—although the FDA estimates that this type of dental filling has been used for more than 150 years in hundreds of millions of patients. Nonetheless, phasing out the use of amalgam in dental work has gained popularity in the United States in recent years.
Providing metal-free dentistry options in the Bay Area
At Glen Park Dental, we believe in safeguarding the overall health of our patients, in addition to providing maximum oral healthy care. As a result, we maintain an amalgam-free environment.
For example, our fillings are made of a composite material, which is applied in a less intensive process and also can be matched to the natural shade of your other healthy teeth. For orthodontic treatment, rather than traditional braces that use metal brackets and wires, we offer clear aligner therapy with Invisalign. And we also offer metal-free crowns made entirely of dental porcelain – a material that is beautiful, natural-looking, resistant to surface stains and has a similar translucency to real tooth enamel.
We are proud to offer these services to our patients in San Francisco, Marin and the surrounding locations in the Bay Area region of California. To find out more about how we avoid using amalgam in our treatments and procedures, or you would like to have your older amalgam fillings replaced, schedule a consultation by calling the office of Glen Park Dental at (415) 585-1500 or completing our online contact form.
