American Dental Association Response to Silver filling ban
As I mentioned last week it was announced that as of this year, in Sweden and Norway the use of mercury-silver, or amalgam, dental fillings has been banned. There has been much discussion about the health or environmental risks of the use of mercury fillings in those countries for some time.
However, in the USA the use of mercury in dental fillings is still considered safe by the government and the ADA. It is only in recent years that some of the better insurance companies have approved payment for alternatives to mercury-silver fillings.
An alternative to the mercury-silver fillings is a resin or composite filling. Since these fillings are tooth colored the dental insurance companies felt they were only cosmetic and therefore not covered under the policies they had written. Resin fillings are more technique sensitive and time consuming to bond into place. But, if a person is starting to get decay around a resin filling the decay can be easily seen compared to the decay starting between a black mercury filling and the white enamel.
Porcelain inlays are another alternative to fillings. The porcelain material is harder than the resin and therefore should last longer than the resin filling. These are also bonded into place and help to reinforce the tooth for strength.
If you have mercury-silver or amalgam fillings in your mouth the chances are you will be fine. It is considered unethical for a dentist to advise a patient to have mercury fillings removed for health reasons. If a patient wants to have them removed for their own concerns or even for cosmetic reasons it is OK.
If you have questions concerning mercury fillings you should ask your dentist. If you do not have a dental home you are welcome to call Brandi at my office, 310-271-7727 and schedule an appointment so we can discuss your unique situation.
Silver fillings banned in Norway
Norway Bans Dental Amalgam
The
Scandinavian country of Norway became the second
country in that part of the world to ban the use of
dental silver fillings. The government action was
done as part of a large effort to restrict the use of
mercury introduction into the environment. Although
this was their primary purpose, the controversy over
the health issues surrounding mercury fillings still
remains a concern for many patients. Sweden banned
use of the amalgam filling siting a possible health
risk.
Whether you believe it is a health risk or not, it
definitely is an issue of environmental safety. Be
sure to discuss with your dentist the alternatives
that are available.