Amalgam Fillings

What is an amalgam? Do I have silver fillings? Do my silver fillings need removed?

As a dentist, Dr.Jeffrey L. Angart gets asked about amalgam or silver, fillings at least once a week. This conversation seems to pop up every time someone reads something about mercury fillings.

See, silver fillings are about 50 percent elemental mercury. As the name suggests, amalgam fillings are made up of a mixture of metals. They typically contain about 50 percent mercury, along with tin, copper, silver or zinc. They were first used in the 1800s but it wasn’t until the 1980s when we realized that trace levels of mercury could be released when we chew.

It scared people, since large doses of elemental mercury can damage the nervous system. When we look at recent data, it proves that the previous numbers were grossly overestimated.

Jeffrey L. Angart, DDS does not use metal or amalgam fillings. He uses porcelain, gold or even a resin composite filling.  After reviewing the best long term results for your tooth, YOU get to make that decision.  Amalgam fillings ARE still used in many practices and have become illegal to use in many European countries. Silver is more tolerant of moisture, so it can be beneficial in some areas of the mouth, like below the gumline.  All of this data changes if there is evidence of a fracture, leaking or decay under a filling. At this point, Dr. Angart recommends immediate removal of the filling.

Come and see Jeffrey L. Angart, DDS and make an appointment.  Let him take a look in a relaxed dental environment and see for yourself the difference!