Should I Replace My Metal Fillings?

Many of us have had silver fillings, also known as dental amalgam, for years. It’s natural to wonder about replacement when you hear about possible silver filling dangers — but are those risks real, and is it really best to replace your fillings?

At Tenth Street Family Dental in Indianapolis, Indiana, our dedicated team of general and cosmetic dentistry specialists understands that many of our patients have concerns about their dental health, including whether to replace their metal fillings.

Silver fillings were once the standard, but times have changed. Today we use composite fillings. As dental practices evolve, so does our understanding of the materials we use.

If you’re wondering whether it’s time to replace your metal fillings, you aren’t alone. Below, we tackle the arguments for and against replacing your fillings.

The argument for leaving silver fillings in place

According to the FDA and the American Dental Association (ADA), there’s no need to remove silver fillings unless there’s a compelling reason to do so.

The FDA explains that dental amalgam, a mixture of metals including mercury, has been used safely for over 150 years. The ADA reinforces this position, noting that although silver fillings emit small amounts of mercury vapor, it is generally not enough to cause harm in most people.

In fact, the FDA suggests that removing intact amalgam fillings could actually result in unnecessary tooth loss and exposure to additional mercury vapor. So, if your fillings are still in good condition and you aren’t experiencing any discomfort, it may be best to leave them alone.

But, it’s important to note that the Journal of the American Dental Association states that all fillings need replacement at some point.

The argument for removing silver fillings

Some organizations, like the International Academy of Oral Medicine & Toxicology (IAOMT), present a different perspective. According to the IAOMT, scientific studies show that dental mercury may potentially cause or worsen conditions, including:

Allergic reactions
Cognitive disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease
Neurological conditions like amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
Antibiotic resistance
Developmental issues
Heart conditions
Chronic fatigue
Hearing loss
Kidney diseases
Multiple sclerosis
Parkinson’s disease
Gum disease
Mental health challenges, including depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation
Reproductive issues
Thyroid disorders

However, individual responses to mercury exposure can vary widely. Factors such as diet, genetics, gender, the number of amalgam fillings, and other environmental exposures can influence how you react to mercury.

Silver or white fillings: What to do?

Deciding whether to replace your metal fillings with white composite fillings is a personal choice that should be made with professional guidance. At Tenth Street Family Dental, we’re here to help you make the best decision for your oral and overall health.

We recommend composite fillings when you’re getting new fillings because composite material is strong, offers good durability, and, in many cases, requires less tooth removal than a silver filling would. Of course, composite fillings also look natural, so they’re simply more attractive.

If you’re concerned about your silver fillings, give us a call or connect with us online to schedule a consultation. We’ll assess your situation and provide recommendations tailored to your needs.