Although the FDA has deemed amalgam fillings to be safe for use in dental fillings, there is still quite a bit of controversy surrounding their safety and the impact they may have on one’s overall health. There is a certain amount of mercury vapor that leaks out of these amalgam fillings over time. Understandably, this has many patients concerned about the use of this material in their own fillings and especially the safety of amalgam fillings for their children.
The amount of amalgam fillings used has dropped significantly in recent years, but many dentists still choose to use these mercury fillings. Highland Park St. Paul General Dentist uses only mercury-free fillings made of tooth-colored composite materials, porcelain or gold. While a tooth-colored filling is aesthetically appropriate for teeth that are visible, gold is a strong and durable filling for back teeth that withstand tremendous amounts of biting pressure.
A trained dentist can easily remove and replace mercury fillings, often strengthening the tooth to a greater extent than the original amalgam filling. If you have broken fillings or mercury fillings you may want to consider having them replaced. Our professional team is trained in the specialized procedures necessary to safely remove amalgam fillings. Our procedure rooms are specifically designed to allow for the safe removal and replacement of old amalgam fillings, including air filtering systems that safely vent out any trace of mercury vapors. We follow strict protocols when replacing mercury with healthier, non-toxic material, and your safety and comfort is our number one priority.