The Safety of Dental Fillings

by Nathan Schwartz

Overview

Dental fillings are considered to be safe by the American Dental Association. Although there has been some controversy regarding amalgam fillings, they are not considered to be harmful by dental experts.
Amalgam fillings

Amalgam fillings consist of a mixture of mercury with other metals such as silver or copper. These fillings have been in use for well over a century, and are not considered to be dangerous due to the small amount of mercury present in the fillings.

Low doses

The amount of mercury used in dental fillings is below the levels that would cause even, mild mercury toxicity. According to sciencedaily.com, a person would need to have at least 265 fillings in his mouth before negative health effects would occur.
Tested

According to the American Dental Association's information web page on dental amalgam, these fillings are made of "the most thoroughly researched and tested restorative material among all those in use. It is durable, easy to use, highly resistant to wear."
Opposition

Beginning in the 1970's, concern about the medical consequences of mercury in our environment, particularly its impact on the food supply, led to concern about dental fillings. Some dentists began removing amalgam fillings and replacing them with alternative fillings for patients with concerns.
Consensus

Despite concerns from opponents, there is a consensus among the major health organizations that dental amalgam fillings are safe. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institutes of Health, and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are some of the groups that have attested to their safety.