Ikuta D.D.S

Amalgam fillings, also known as silver fillings, are the traditional material used to fill cavities. Amalgam fillings contain mercury, and there is some question as to mercury’s safety. While high doses of mercury are definitely dangerous, are the small amounts of mercury in a filling harmful as well?

There is no definitive answer, but the evidence, is definitely leaning toward the theory that amalgam fillings contain too little mercury to truly be dangerous. However, there is a strong reason to not want silver fillings – they’re very visible, while white, tooth-colored fillings typically work just as well and are seamless with your natural teeth. Silver fillings can also lead to fracturing and cracking in the enamel. If you have filling work done at the dentist's office, be sure and ask beforehand about amalgam versus tooth-colored fillings.