Mercury Fillings

Should I have my “mercury” fillings removed?

Silver-colored fillings which have been used for many years are made from an amalgam of metals, including mercury. Based on current scientific data, the ADA has determined that the removal of these restorations for the alleged purpose of removing toxic substances from the body, that such treatment is performed solely at the recommendation or suggestion of the dentist, is improper and unethical.* There are, however, many indications to have these fillings replaced including recurrent decay beneath the filling, cracked teeth, and leakage, a broken seal between the filling and tooth. Today’s composite resin filling materials not only form a bond between the tooth and filling to prevent bacterial penetration, but enables your dentist to conservatively remove less tooth structure when a cavity does occur. At Gordon Dentistry, we no longer offer silver fillings, and have switched to the natural-looking tooth colored fillings.

*From American Dental Association Principle of Ethics and Code of Professional Conduct (ADA Code)