Mar
In 1998, the ADA’s Council on Scientific Affairs published its first major review of the scientific literature on dental amalgam, concluding that amalgam continues to be a safe and effective restorative material. The Council’s report also stated, “There currently appears to be no justification for discontinuing the use of dental amalgam.”
A 2003 paper published in the New England Journal of Medicine concludes that “Patients who have questions about the potential relation between mercury and degenerative diseases can be assured that the available evidence shows no connection.”
At Jamie Alexander DDS in Boynton Beach, our dentist no longer places silver amalgam fillings; however, we stand by the ADA position and research that they are safe and that no mercury toxicity is found in existing silver fillings.
Dr. Alexander uses tooth colored composite resin to fill new cavities. When an old silver filling wears out the tooth structure around the filling becomes cracked, he will remove the old filling. In the first case, he can often replace the old filling with a composite filling. In the latter case, he may be able to restore the cracked tooth with a dental crown. Keep in mind there is always a way to restore or replace a diseased or cracked. The sooner you seek care, the easier your treatment will be.