Can Too Many Dental Fillings Increase Blood Mercury Levels?

Dental fillings are a standard dental procedure used to strengthen a damaged tooth. Once a tooth experiences decay, it begins to lose strength, and depending on the extent of the cavities formed, there can be major or minor loss of strength. In any case, once the decay has been treated and cleared away, your dentist in Phoenix will suggest that he fill cavities with dental fillings to restore your tooth’s shape and functionality.

However, people are a little anxious about getting fillings because they contain mercury. People who are in need of multiple dental fillings are a lot more perplexed because they feel it will increase mercury levels in their bloodstream. So, what is the truth about mercury in dental fillings? Continue reading to learn more.

Dental Fillings and Blood Mercury Levels

There are two types of dental fillings that you can get at any dental office Phoenix. These are the metal amalgam fillings or the white fillings. Both fillings are excellent at doing their job and provide strength to your teeth and allow you to eat and drink anything without having to worry about anything.

The metal amalgam fillings have been around for almost a hundred and fifty years, and many people from around the world have them. White fillings are relatively new on the dental scene but are just as good at tooth cavity fillings after you have a tooth destroyed due to decay or infection.

White Fillings or Composite Fillings

White fillings, or composite fillings as they are also called, do not contain mercury at all and are completely safe in every way possible. So, if you’re anxious about having mercury in your fillings, then perhaps the best way to go about it is to get white composite fillings at the dental office Phoenix. White fillings aren’t only great because they do not contain any mercury but are also aesthetically satisfying. Since they are white in color, they bond well with the natural color of your teeth and ensure that you boast a bright, confident smile.

However, there is a catch. White fillings are generally more expensive than their metal counterparts because they require a more detailed and complex procedure to apply. Furthermore, metal fillings tend to last longer than white fillings, especially when they are used for bigger tooth cavity filling.

Metal Amalgam Fillings

Silver fillings or metal fillings have been in use for a very long time in dentistry, and they are very effective to fill cavities when people have a tooth destroyed. It is cheaper than other alternates on the market, gets the job done, and is long-lasting. However, it does contain mercury.

Most dentists agree that the mercury in these metal fillings is not toxic and does not harm the patient in any way. They argue that the mercury in the fillings is elemental and is not toxic as many people believe it to be. However, there has been a lot of public discussion and debate about the issue in recent times, which has prompted new research.

Recent studies suggest that there is a correlation between elevated mercury levels and metal fillings. A study conducted among over fifteen-thousand people from all over the US concluded that people who had eight or more metal fillings demonstrated increased mercury levels in their bloodstream. This is an interesting discovery, but as of now, the FDA considers metal fillings safe for adults and children over six years of age.

Most people expose themselves to mercury through the air we breathe, and the foods we eat, and many dental experts suggest that the mercury in metal fillings does not reach those kinds of levels. However, if you are known to have allergies to certain metals or mercury, in particular, you should stay away from metal amalgam fillings.

What Should You Do?

It would be best if you did your research before you opt for metal or white fillings. It is best that you get in touch with a dentist in Phoenix to understand the pros and cons of each type of filling. If you’re really anxious about mercury, then it is best to suggest that you opt for white fillings, especially if you can afford it.