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When your dentist is performing dental work, you deserve to be confident that they’re using safe, high-quality materials for treatments like dental fillings. The safety of dental amalgam and silver-colored fillings is a topic that has been discussed by dentists and studied by researchers for decades. That’s because the dental community and its related organizations are committed to patient safety. Here’s what you need to know about silver dental fillings.

Why Are Patients Concerned About Silver Fillings?

Dental amalgam and silver-colored fillings are made up of a mixture of materials to create a substance that’s hard enough to withstand the wear and tear of everyday eating habits, year after year. The material used includes a small quantity of mercury, which can be released from the fillings as a vapor at a low level. Mercury is used as a binding agent for the metals in the amalgam. While exposure to a high level of mercury is not safe, silver fillings do not cause an adverse effect.

What Does the Research Say?

dental fillingsMore than 100 million Americans have received amalgam or silver-colored dental fillings, and no study to date has uncovered any negative health effects from its use. The World Health Organization (WHO) and the FDI World Dental Federation as well as the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) have reviewed scientific research and agree that the amount of mercury in dental fillings is safe for children and adults. Patients who have metal allergies should discuss this with their dentist, as they may have an allergic reaction to the other metals that make up amalgam. For these patients, other materials are available.

 

The dentist and staff at Rydell Family Dental in Hayward, WI, are proud to provide friendly care with a gentle touch. From dental fillings to root canals to routine cleanings, Dr. Rydell and his team offer high-quality, personalized care to make your dental experience comfortable. Rydell Family Dental has been serving Hayward for more than 20 years, and they’re ready for you to join their family of highly satisfied patients. Call (715) 634-4864 or request your appointment online today.

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