Silver fillings or the silver amalgam is a mixture of silver-tin and liquid mercury. The reason it was used for so many years is the durability of the metallic fillings. In most cases, the metallic fillings would last approximately 20 years as long as they were not exposed to a lot of sugar. The problem with the amalgam is mercury.
The Food and Drug Administration indicates that
dental amalgams contain mercury, which may have neurotoxic effects on the nervous systems of developing children and fetuses. When amalgam fillings are placed in teeth or removed from teeth, they release mercury vapor.
Since the 1990s, FDA and other government agencies (CDC, NIH) have reviewed the scientific literature looking for links between dental amalgams and health problems. In September 2006, an advisory panel to the FDA reviewed FDA’s research and heard presentations from the public about the benefits and risks of mercury and amalgam.
On the other hand composite fillings is a combination of glass/porcelain in a plastic mix. The research on composite fillings indicate that they are completely safe. The American Dental Association, the Academy of General Dentistry, the American Academy of Pediatrics, The World Health Organization, The Food and Drug Administration, The Alzheimer's Association, and the National Multiple Sclerosis Society all agree that these fillings are safe.
The cost per filling range from about $75 to $145 for amalgam and $150 to $200 for composite. In essence, the extra $50-$100, is worth the safety of ourselves and our children.
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Silver fillings or the silver amalgam is a mixture of silver-tin and liquid mercury. The reason it was used for so many years is the durability of the metallic fillings. In most cases, the metallic fillings would last approximately 20 years as long as they were not exposed to a lot of sugar. The problem with the amalgam is mercury.
The Food and Drug Administration indicates that
dental amalgams contain mercury, which may have neurotoxic effects on the nervous systems of developing children and fetuses. When amalgam fillings are placed in teeth or removed from teeth, they release mercury vapor.
Since the 1990s, FDA and other government agencies (CDC, NIH) have reviewed the scientific literature looking for links between dental amalgams and health problems. In September 2006, an advisory panel to the FDA reviewed FDA’s research and heard presentations from the public about the benefits and risks of mercury and amalgam.
You can read the summary of the panel meeting at: http://www.fda.gov/cdrh/meetings/090606-summary.html
In addition, a complete transcript is available at: http://www.fda.gov/ohrms/dockets/ac/cdrh06.html#dentalproductspanel
On the other hand composite fillings is a combination of glass/porcelain in a plastic mix. The research on composite fillings indicate that they are completely safe. The American Dental Association, the Academy of General Dentistry, the American Academy of Pediatrics, The World Health Organization, The Food and Drug Administration, The Alzheimer's Association, and the National Multiple Sclerosis Society all agree that these fillings are safe.
The cost per filling range from about $75 to $145 for amalgam and $150 to $200 for composite. In essence, the extra $50-$100, is worth the safety of ourselves and our children.
October 11, 2008 - 8:53amThis Comment
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