The controversy surrounding dental amalgam (“silver fillings”)
Dental amalgam (“silver fillings”) has been used in dentistry for more than 165 years. Controversies around this material have periodically swirled around for about the same amount of time. Composed of silver, tin, copper and inorganic mercury, dental amalgam has served as an excellent, cost-effective and versatile material for restoring back teeth with cavities. While not without its drawbacks (e.g. it is not aesthetic), science has not yet been able to show that these fillings are bad for one’s health. It remains a viable and valuable material for some people in some cases. Still, a healthy debate rages on.
Please feel free to examine some of the materials linked below so that you can make your own decision about what filling material you might prefer. As always, if you have any questions, please ask us.
- "The Doctor Oz Show" features sensationalistic segment on dental amalgam
(American Dental Association) - Dental Amalgam FAQs
(Canadian Dental Association) - Amalgam – Silver-Colored Dental Fillings
(Mouth Healthy, American Dental Association)
