These days, the teeth are regarded as one of the most important facial features. They must be strong, white, even, and straight. Fillings should be as close to invisible as humanly possible.
Quite a bit of controversy has arisen in recent years over amalgam fillings, which have been used for well over a century to fill the holes in teeth. Amalgam contains mercury, which has been linked to many serious health conditions. The Food and Drug Administration has stated that the amount of mercury found in amalgam fillings is insufficient to cause health problems. No link has been ascertained between these fillings and serious mercury-related illnesses. Therefore, amalgam fillings are considered safe for anyone above the age of six.
The benefits are that dental amalgam is the least expensive type of filling to get, which is important for price-conscious patients. They are also strong and less likely to break than many other filling types.
Mercury takes several different chemical forms. The dangerous form of mercury found in some kinds of fish is different from the kind of mercury used in amalgam fillings. The fish mercury is called methylmercury, which is absorbed almost entirely by the digestive tract. The mercury in amalgam fillings is elemental mercury. This form of mercury releases mercury vapor, which is largely absorbed by the lungs. Each form of mercury is processed differently by the body, and the body shows different tolerance levels for each of these forms.
Health consideration aside, many people prefer not to have amalgam fillings because of their appearance. A tooth stuffed full of amalgam presents a grayish appearance that can’t be changed by bleaching, as the color comes through the tooth from the inside. A laugh that opens the mouth widely can reveal a number of fillings, which is not only unsightly, but suggests that the person doesn’t practice regular or sufficient oral hygiene. These days, a mouth is expected to show white teeth on all surfaces. Gold crowns are not only accepted, but popular; the problem with crowns is that they are applied to cracked, broken, or otherwise damaged teeth – a heavy price to pay to flash a little gold.
Ceramic fillings are commonly used as replacements for the amalgam type. It is always best to consult this idea with your dentist so you can decide on the best method of treatment for you. It may be that leaving the amalgam fillings where they are is the wisest decision.
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