I want to get my silver fillings removed can I?

Question

I have gotten a good amount of silver fillings in the last year. I did not know until a few weeks ago that they contained mercury! I want to get my quite new fillings replaced with composite. Which sounds much safer. I don't want to hear about how it's "safe". Mercury is highly toxic it shouldn't be in one's body. Can I have a dentist remove them for composite? I was looking online and read it's illegal to remove them without some type of reason???? If I want them removed I can right? It's a smart choice to get them replace with composite? Thanks.

Answer 1

You already have perfect answers in other posts. Now getting the silver fillings removed and replaced with composite fillings is going to cost an additional lot. Why not consider traveling abroad as in doing so your holiday might turn out to be as good as free. I am myself a beneficiary of cosmetic dentistry procedure done in India at one of the finest dental clinics of Dental Care India Tour.  

Answer 2

Hello...To begin with, I don't know what web site you found that said that it was "illegal" to remove a filing but nothing is farther from the truth...that was an absolute "LIE"...Now, while there are still many professional research organizations that have differing opinions about the safety of Amalgam (Silver) filings...they all agree that mercury is a dangerous substance when introduced into the human body, they just can't seem to agree on the exact amount and to what degree it leeches out of Amalgam filings. If they could, no doubt the FDA would totally band them...Having said that , there are any number of people who have had their Amalgam filings replaced with Gold or Composites or Porcelain and swear that certain serious health issues completely disappeared or vastly improved....So the answer is Yes, you can have them replaced, and once again...what ever nut case told you it was "illegal' to do so, needs to take a long walk on a short pier. Good luck and I wish you well.

Answer 3

It's true that tiny itty bitty amounts of mercury are in silver fillings, but it's seriously such trace amounts that there are no known studies that have proven it can hurt you. If you do chose to take them out, the aerosol created in the air from them being drilled out (which you will be breathing) will cause you more danger than having them in your mouth in solid form.

Composite fillings are plastic. Plastic shrinks over time, so composite fillings only have an average life span of 5-7 years. Silver fillings can last the rest of your life. So any honest dentist will tell you to have silver fillings over composites. Composites will probably need to be replaced several times in your life. Each time will cost you more money, and take away more tooth structure.

It's definitely a better idea to keep your silver fillings in tact.

Answer 4

I don't know about the law where you are - but I should think as long as you're willing to meet the dental bills and were fully informed of the procedures and risks, this would be your choice.  Why don't you give your dental surgery a call - I am sure they can advise.

Answer 5

I wont argue with you on wether silver fillings are safe or not, that's your choice!

BUT there are a few issues with other types of fillings.

Firstly, where are the 'fillings'

Are they in 'high impact/chewing' areas such as the molars or wisdom teeth?

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The reason why I ask if they're in 'high chewing' areas is for the strength of fillings. I've recently just had quite a few done myself, and as for not wanting silver fillings, my dentist explained I didn't have a choice. My fillings were needed in the 'high impact' chewing areas, and there's only one type of filling that's strong enough to withstand the constant pressure that's created on those back teeth.

composite 'white' fillings are made for the front teeth, or teeth that are visable in a 'smile'. They're made from lighter substances, which in turn can lead to breakages and can even 'fall out' if placed in a 'high impact' area. You need to discuss this issue with your dentist, and ask about the different types of fillings available and whats' suitable for the area.

Removing a filling would require drilling of the tooth, to remove the 'filling' from the space it was created. It may require further treatment, such as root canal if it was a 'deep' filling, or one that is covering more than half of the tooth itself.

Asking a dentist never hurts, they're there to help you, just remember that only certain fillings can be used in certain areas.

A dentist knows what they're doing and what's safe to have.

Remember, there's mercury in loads of things, even the fish we eat!