Dr. Eric Meyer Stresses the Dangers of Amalgam Fillings to his Fullerton Dental Patients

Oct. 17, 2012 - PRLog -- Dr. Eric Meyer, D.D.S.
714-879-7943
www.fullertondental.com

Dr. Eric Meyer Stresses the Dangers of Amalgam Fillings to his Fullerton Dental Patients

In the 1800s, mercury amalgam fillings were inexpensive, easy to use, strong, and durable ways to fill cavities.  However, the dangers of amalgam fillings are now better understood by scientists and there are now many other, safer alternatives available.  Dr. Eric Meyer of Fullerton Dental makes sure to avoid using amalgam fillings on his patients due to the potential risks involved, and encourages patients to have their amalgam fillings removed and replaced with any of the more modern alternatives.

Amalgam fillings are made with fifty percent mercury, a metal that is known to have toxic effects on the human body.  Mercury is heavy metal that, when exposed in vary degrees and over time, is harmful to human health.  In high doses, the consumption of mercury could potentially lead to mercury poisoning, a condition that can have a wide variety of toxic effects, including damage to the brain, kidneys, and lungs.  While amalgam fillings are only a composite of mercury and other metals, like silver, mercury from dental amalgam may be linked with neurological changes, autoimmunity, stress, and even autism.  This heavy metal is particularly problematic for women that are pregnant and risk passing mercury that is stored in their bodies down to their children.  Amalgam fillings were originally thought to be safe, but it is now suspected that release of mercury vapor can be unknowingly inhaled by a patient.  Concerns about the toxicity of mercury have even led the fillings to be banned in other countries.

The hazards of mercury fillings also extend to external environmental effects.  Using mercury in a dental facility means that the mercury will inevitably get into the environment, where is can impact the food we eat and water we drink.  Although a lesser concern, many patients also prefer the other tooth-colored filling options over the amalgam for cosmetic reasons.  Amagalm is not as aesthetically pleasing as other filling alternatives.  With concern for aesthetics, environmental issues, and human health issues, the prominence of amalgam fillings has fortunately decreased.

If you are in need of a filling or replacement of an old amalgam filling contact Dr. Eric Meyer and find out more about how you can avoid the health risks associated with mercury fillings.

For more information on amalgam filling alternatives, visit http://www.fullertondental.com or call 714-879-7943 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Eric Meyer.