Although composite fillings are more popular than amalgam nowadays, that wasn’t the case until a few years ago. A large part of the population has mercury fillings. So, the question is – should you remove them if you have them, and how long does mercury toxicity last after amalgam removal? Is this something you should worry about? Let’s bust all the myths regarding mercury fillings and help you make an informed decision before you visit your dentist in Charlotte, NC.
Can Amalgam Fillings Affect Your Health?
Amalgam fillings, or mercury fillings, have been used in dentistry for over 150 years. They’re known as mercury fillings due to their high content of mercury. About 50% of the filling is elemental mercury, but it also contains silver, tin, copper, and trace metals such as zinc. These classic fillings for teeth are durable, strong, and long-lasting. In most cases, amalgam fillings will last you more than 15 years if you have a good oral hygiene routine.
They’re also not expensive compared to other types of dental fillings. Until safety concerns about mercury toxicity were raised, they had been the most popular filling option for decades. In recent years, there has been an ongoing debate about mercury fillings and whether they are bad for your health or not. So, what is the verdict?
The FDA’s stance on dental amalgam fillings is clear. The exposure to mercury from dental fillings won’t lead to adverse health effects in the general population. However, amalgam fillings can pose a risk to certain groups, such as children under the age of 6 and those with neurological and kidney diseases. Those who are pregnant or breastfeeding are also at a higher risk for adverse health effects, as mercury is highly toxic to fetuses and babies.
Should You Remove Amalgam Fillings?
If current research suggests that mercury fillings are safe, why is there such a high number of patients who want to get their fillings removed? There’s a little catch we must mention. While amalgam fillings are technically safe, they indeed can release small amounts of mercury vapor over time (for example, due to teeth grinding or chewing). If you have amalgam fillings, you may have a slightly higher concentration of mercury in your blood and urine, but this doesn’t reach a concentration high enough to pose any threat to your health.
In other words, you don’t have anything to worry about. Still, our team at Aspire Dental Wellness can understand the concern some patients have. At the end of the day, if you want to replace mercury fillings with a more modern solution, such as composite fillings, you can do that.
If you don’t feel comfortable with your mercury fillings anymore, the Aspire Dental Wellness team would be happy to have you come to our office for a dental appointment. Our Dr. Sladjana Bjelac can assess the state of your dental fillings and recommend the best course of action.
Can Any Dentist Remove Mercury Fillings?
Dentists don’t need any special training to be able to remove mercury fillings. The only thing that makes the amalgam filling removal procedure different compared to removing other types of dental fillings is the need for additional safety measures. There is a specific SMART protocol that’s applied in these situations – Safe Mercury Amalgam Removal Technique.
If your Charlotte, NC, dentist is skilled in filling removal, they will know what to do. Our Dr. Bjelac has performed this procedure countless times, and if you decide to trust her with your oral health, you can rest assured that you’ll receive the best care possible.
Can You Get Mercury Poisoning After Amalgam Removal in Charlotte, NC?
If your Charlotte dentist in SouthPark applies all the necessary precautions when removing your fillings, there’s nothing to worry about. The exposure will be kept to a minimum, and you won’t have any adverse health effects. Of course, we must keep in mind that it all depends on the safety measures, which is why it is crucial to have a reliable and experienced restorative dentist, such as our Dr. Bjelac, by your side.
How Long Does Mercury Toxicity Last After Amalgam Removal?
There isn’t a straightforward answer to this question. When your filling is removed, a certain amount of mercury vapor has to be released, and how much of it will remain in your body and for how long depends on several factors. Protective gear and other safety measures are just a part of the equation. If your mercury levels get elevated, these factors will affect the amount of time it takes for them to return to normal:
- How high the exposure was,
- How many fillings you had removed,
- How fast your body can metabolize mercury,
- Your age and overall health.
In most cases, elevated mercury levels in blood and urine will decrease in a couple of months after the removal. According to some research, you can expect a decrease of up to 60% in the first 60 days post-removal. Mercury levels are expected to return to what they were before you had amalgam fillings approximately a year after you had them removed.
Reach Out to the Aspire Dental Wellness Team for a Safe Amalgam Removal
When it comes to general dentistry in Charlotte, NC, our team at Aspire Dental Wellness is always up to the task. Led by the outstanding Dr. Bjelac, we have the knowledge and experience to handle all the dental challenges you might be facing. Contact us to book your first appointment at our clinic in SouthPark and take the first step toward improving your oral health – our professionals will be more than happy to help you.
