Hi again..
Just wondering if any of you have the silver fillings in your mouth.. I ask because they say they are not good, then they say they are.. anyhow just wondering if some of my symptoms are from them - ??? Any ideas or comments please...
thanks a bunch!

I have a lot of amalgam fillings in my mouth since the age of 18. I am now 54. I worry about the mercury leaking in them. I have wondered if sometimes how I feel is from them. Or worry I might come down with some disease from them. I would like to get them removed. I can't afford it. You have to find a dentist that is experienced in it. I have read others have felt better after getting them removed. Then I have read others haven't. Pam

Hi - I have had all my silver fillings removed. I can't honestly notice a difference to be brutally honest. My dentist took them all out on his accord at least 10 years ago now. I am grateful that he did this as visually it looks better (only noticeable when I sing) If there is a chance that the mercury leaches into the system, then there is no harm in having them removed. I too am curious to hear what others think about this.

Sincerely,
Suzanne

I am gradually having my old amalgam fillings replaced with the newer, polymer type. As with everything else, I don't trust the studies saying that amalgam is safe. Just look at the studies about hormone replacement therapy, okay one year and really bad the next. IMO, if there have been past studies that say amalgam is not safe, I would not trust a newer study that says it is. Amalgam actually consists of a combination of silver, mercury, tin and copper, and small amounts of zinc, indium or palladium. Studies have proven that small amounts of these substances leach from the teeth and go into the body. The amount depends on how many amalgam fillings you have and how old those restorations are. I have had about half of my old amalgam fillings replaced. I can't say I notice a difference health wise, but then I still have some really old amalgam fillings that were placed 30 years ago or so. On a positive note, the new polymers are strong, look more natural and don't carry with them the tooth sensitivity that the amalgam fillings do. Colgate.com has a nice write up about amalgam.

http://www.fda.gov/cdrh/consumer/amalgams.html

Questions and Answers on Dental Amalgam

1. What is dental amalgam?

Dental amalgam is the silver-colored material used to fill (restore) teeth that have cavities. Dental amalgam is made of two nearly equal parts: liquid mercury and a powder containing silver, tin, copper, zinc and other metals. Mercury concentration in dental amalgams is generally about 50% by weight, while the silver concentration ranges from 20-35%.

2. What is FDA’s role in dental amalgam?

Dental amalgams are medical devices and are regulated by FDA’s Center for Devices and Radiological Health (CDRH). CDRH is responsible for ensuring that medical devices are reasonably safe and effective and that the labeling has adequate directions for use and any appropriate warnings.

3. What are the safety concerns about dental amalgam?

Dental amalgams contain mercury, which may have neurotoxic effects on the nervous systems of developing children and fetuses. When amalgam fillings are placed in teeth or removed from teeth, they release mercury vapor. Mercury vapor is also released during chewing. FDA’s rulemaking (described in question 7) will examine evidence concerning whether release of mercury vapor can cause health problems, including neurological disorders, in children and fetuses.

Since the 1990s, FDA and other government agencies (CDC, NIH) have reviewed the scientific literature looking for links between dental amalgams and health problems. In September 2006, an advisory panel to the FDA reviewed FDA’s research and heard presentations from the public about the benefits and risks of mercury and amalgam.

You can read the summary of the panel meeting at: http://www.fda.gov/cdrh/meetings/090606-summary.html

In addition, a complete transcript is available at: http://www.fda.gov/ohrms/dockets/ac/cdrh06...alproductspanel

4. Are there other dental filling materials that can be used instead of amalgam?

Yes, there are several other types of dental fillings.

Resin composites are tooth-colored materials made from powdered glass and resin compounds. When composites were initially introduced, they were not very strong and were used primarily in the front teeth. Newer composites are stronger, although they still tend to wear more than metal-based materials and generally need earlier replacement.

Glass ionomer cement is also a tooth-colored material. It is not usually used for long-term fillings because it breaks easily.

Porcelain, gold, and other metals are also used as filling materials. Gold and porcelain are used for inlays, veneers, crowns, and bridges. These fillings are made outside the mouth and cemented into place after they are formed.

5. Should I have my amalgam fillings removed and replaced with these other materials? If I have a cavity, should I choose to get amalgam fillings?

FDA does not recommend that you have your amalgam fillings removed. FDA is engaged in a rulemaking that may lead to revised labeling. It is also reviewing evidence about safe use, particularly in sensitive subpopulations.

If you are concerned about the possible health effects of amalgam fillings, you should talk with your qualified health care practitioner.

Dental amalgam fillings are very strong and durable, they last longer than most other types of fillings, and they are relatively inexpensive. You may want to weigh these advantages against the possibility that dental amalgam could pose a health risk, until further information is conveyed through the rulemaking (see question 7) or otherwise.
6. Should pregnant women and young children use or avoid amalgam fillings?

The recent advisory panel believed that there was not enough information to answer this question.

Some other countries follow a “precautionary principle” and avoid the use of dental amalgam in pregnant women. Advice about dental amalgams from regulatory agencies in other countries is available below.

Canada: http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/ahc-asc/media/nr-cp.../1996_63_e.html
France: http://afssaps.sante.fr/ang/pdf/amalgam.pdf
Sweden: http://www.kemi.se/templates/Page.aspx?id=5233

Pregnant women and persons who may have a health condition that makes them more sensitive to mercury exposure, including individuals with existing high levels of mercury bioburden, should not avoid seeking dental care, but should discuss options with their health practitioner.

7. What is the next step for FDA?

In 2002, FDA published a proposed rule to classify dental amalgam as a class II device with special controls. On April 28, 2008, FDA reopened the comment period for that proposed rule. The comment period will be open until July 28, 2008. After reviewing all comments, FDA intends to issue a final rule classifying dental amalgam.

By July 28, 2008, FDA is requesting comments supported by empirical data and scientific evidence concerning this classification and special controls for dental amalgam. In addition, if class II (special controls) is the appropriate classification for these devices, FDA requests comment on whether the two types of special controls proposed by FDA in 2002 (materials and labeling) provide reasonable assurance of the safety and effectiveness of these devices and on whether the special controls FDA described in 2002 should be revised in light of the recommendations and with respect to the discussions by the 2006 joint committee.

Controls on the Materials. For example, should the material controls proposed by FDA address conformance to recognized consensus standards that make recommendations for testing, compressive strength, and identifying the mercury vapor released by the device?

Labeling Controls. For example, how should labeling controls, if any, address the disclosure of composition, including mercury content, and precautions regarding use of the device in sensitive subpopulations composed of individuals who respond biologically at lower levels of exposure to mercury than the general population? If so, which subpopulations should be included (e.g., children under age 6, pregnant and lactating women, hypersensitive or immunocompromised individuals)? Should the labeling controls require more specific patient labeling (e.g., informing patients of identified sensitive subpopulations of the mercury content, the alternatives to the device and their relative costs, and health risks associated with the failure to obtain dental care)?

For the agency’s future analysis of benefits and costs of the regulatory options for dental amalgams, FDA also requests comments, including available data, on the following questions:

(1) How many annual procedures use mercury amalgams? What are the trends?
(2) What are the differences in cost between amalgams and alternative materials (e.g., composite, other metals, ceramics, etc.)? Are there differences in replacement lives?
(3) What are reimbursement rates for dental amalgam and the alternative materials?
(4) How would labeling describing the risks of amalgam for certain subpopulations (e.g., children under age 6, pregnant and lactating women, hypersensitive or immunocompromised individuals) affect the demand for, and use of, mercury amalgam? How would the risks included in the labeling be communicated to those subpopulations?
(5) What is the current exposure to mercury for patients? For professionals? What would be the reduction in exposure associated with the use of alternative materials?
Updated June 3, 2008

Sandra.. do you have any amalgam ones??

I have had 3 molars that had big fillings that cracked and had to have crowns. The dentist I am seeing here said he didn't use amalgam to fix them. I tell you the last time when he was drilling the old filling, I almost swallowed a chunk! I can imagine the vapors floating all around that room. The next time, if I have to have an old filling removed and fixed, I won't be going to him.

I have TEN ! I was a sugar junkie kid. I think my last one was installed when I was 15 or 16. I'm 48 now. I've never felt that they have ever caused me any problem.

Thanks for your replies, yes some dentist still use them, my step-son is almost 11 and got 6 silver ones.. I just spoke to an old girlfriend on the phone, she is 47 and said she has a mouth full and is not concerned - and that her dentist said it isnt good to remove them unless absolutely needed.. sooo what to do?

I wonder if we are really getting that much mercury?????

I found this online. http://www.quackwatch.org/01QuackeryRelate...cs/mercury.html

I saw the quackwatch page too and thought it was good. But don't ignore the FDA info that came out this year. They're acknowledging that mercury amalgam might actually cause problems in some people, and they are trying to improve the standards.

I have no intention of having mine removed. They are very nice and have never needed fixing in all of the years I've had them. They are in my molars so are only visible when I open my mouth wide. Based on current knowledge, if I had to get more fillings I wouldn't hesitate to use amalgam except for front teeth.

Btw, the "leeching" that everyone talks about is mercury vapor, not liquid mercury draining out. I read that the mercury vapor exposure is very minimal and well below the standards for people who work with mercury.



I read that there's a fellow who is leading a study of the effect of amalgam fillings, Gene E. Watson from the University of Rochester Medical Center. The study has apparently not been completed yet, it was begun in 2007. It will be interesting to see the results.



Notice the statement "The team has not found any ill effects of low level mercury exposure".

Thanks to you all for the good information!! I feel a bit at ease now, even though I never thought about it before... oh and my husband has 8 in his mouth!
eek! lol...

I had all my silver removed a few years ago and I'm so glad to smile and not look the baddie from the Bond movie with all the silver teeth. ( jaws)

I am seeing a preventative medicine doctor to see if he can help me with a resting foot tremor I have developed.
Such things are usually neurological, something is wrong in the brain. He is testing me for heavy metal toxicity.
Results are in tomorrow but I already know that if my mercury level is 5 or more he is going to talk to me about
getting my six amalgams removed.

That would cost a lot of money. I would do it, though, because of the tremor and what it portends about the death
of brain cells. Otherwise, no.

What kind of tests do they do for heavy metal toxicity?
Just wondering.. I have 6 silvers too!
thanks!!

I imagine wordsmith had a blood test, but I think you can actually measure the amount of mercury vapor coming out of your fillings. I guess you breathe in the vapors and some of it gets into your bloodstream.

I have a bunch of amalgams, but as they need replacing, I have them replaced with an alternative filling material.

I don't see the need to have them all replaced until replacement is needed. I have MS, and know others with MS who have had their fillings replaced thinking it will help their neurological symptoms, and it hasn't.

On the other hand, I remember when I was being tested to try to determine the cause of my symptoms they did mention heavy metal toxicity as a cause of neurological problems...but I didn't test positive for that even though I have lots of fillings.

If you're concerned about mercury, also ask for a thimerosol free vaccine (if you need one.) I know the flu shot has thimerosol, but you can ask for one w/out that additive (which is a mercury compound.)

We also watch our fish consumption. We eat fish a lot, because my husband and son catch a lot, but we also follow the guidelines for fish consumption of the different types of fish. Some fish contain more mercury than others.

To take drastic measures to remove mercury is one thing, but to do things within our power to lower our mercury intake or exposure just makes sense.

Hi bimmergal,
I worked in the Dental field for many years. I had fears about my fillings even though I had no physical illness. In fact I had wonderful health in my 20's, 30's. I did have a rare form of colitis diagnosed in my late 30's but the real fun didn't happen until I hit the 40's. I had ALL of my amalgum (silver) removed and replaced with clear composites when I was about 36. It looked fantastic. Did I feel any different? I never noticed. The Dentist I worked for was totally against the silver fillings and even had his all replaced. I am glad I did. I cannot believe such a toxic material can be good for you and I have heard many nasty things about silver fillings. Again, I had good health, until I started the peri/meno hell in my early 40's and by that time it had been years after I had the silver removed. Don't get too caught up with the fear. I think the fear can cause many more destructive side effects than the silver ever can. I do sympathise with you here though, I have been freaking out about my breast implants I had put in back in 1999. I have had many panic attacks over this and have come to the conclusion that right now I don't have the money to remove them and adding fear is not going to help me. Relax and let it go until you can start replacing one filling at a time. To be honest, I don't think your going to see any major change in your health by having them removed. More of a peace of mind. I hope that helps.............Debra

Debra,

Thanks for your reply... and you know what, my dentist wont remove them, says it will crack my tooth (they are old fillings) and I would need a crown etc on 3 of my teeth.. so its a no go for me anyhow. I know lots of women and men who DO have them and never worry about that... I am just the paranoid type! Great I know!! ha.ha.... I may see if he can remove the top 2 ones though...

thanks again!

Everyone's total body burden of various toxins and their level of being able to detoxify these agents is certainly different from the next person's. I physically did feel better and stronger having got 19 amalgam fillings removed from my mouth many years ago. Although, I felt worse from the mercury vapour for a while, right after they were drilled out. Overall, I am pleased that I removed my amalgams.

I got the results from my heavy metal toxicity test.

I am seeing a preventative medicine doc to determine the cause of a foot tremor -- and also to get some BHRT hormones for menapause, kill 2 birds with one stone

My blood mercury level was in "normal" range: 8
(for Quest labs "normal" means less than 10, however other labs think normal is less than 5, so there is controversy about this). By the way, I was't allowed to eat any fish for a week before this test.

However, my doctor also did another test, called a challenge test. After giving me a chelator (DMSA, 20 pills), I did a urine test and the
mercury level was very high, so was the lead, indicating that there was plenty of toxic metal stored in my body, even though the levels in the bloodstream were within normal limits.

Our plan of action is this:

I am slowly going to have my amalgams removed, one by one over a period of months. My doc mentioned that his office will provide a Vitamin C IV after an amalgam is removed to help my body deal with any mercury.

But more of interest to you ladies, he also put me on a do-able regimen to combat the heavy metals. (I couldn't do the DMSA chelation because it gave me a rash--so he put me on a more gentle treatment.

Sun chlorella pills -- 3 in the am, 3 in the pm. (A month's supply is about $33)

Liposomal Glutathione - 1 tsp in water at bedtime. One bottle is $60.

Even if you don't give a hoot about heavy metal toxicity, this treatment, I read, is quite good for general health.

Bet that was more detail than anyone wanted, but hey I have the info so I will share it.

wordsmith

Excellent advice...
however I did hear getting the silver filings removed does get some mercury into our bodies.. but how much I wonder.. hmm...
thanks again!

Wish I could remove them, but without dental insurance, there isnt' a chance I could ever think of it. I need several teeth taken care of to the tune of about $7000.00. I have decided to crown when there is pain and deal with them as needed. I can't possibly afford it. I also believe that time I spent over the last two years dealing with a root canal situation led to really bad tmj so I afraid of any dental work. I think removing the silver is a great idea for those who can do it though.

There's always SOMETHING to panic about when it comes to teeth. For years I worried about the silver amalgam. And as the years went by I ended up with less and less of it, as teeth were either removed, or old fillings broke and were replaced with white composite fillings. Then I discovered the HIDEOUS cocktail of chemicals that are in the white fillings. Just because they are white, modern and don't contain mercury, doesn't mean they are pure and innocent! Nowdays I have my bottom teeth, filled with white composite, and wear an upper denture. Oh joy, I can spend the rest of my life worrying about toxic leakage from the acrylic denture as well as the white fillings........

In the words of the great Pam Ayres...."Oh I wish I'd looked after me teeth...."

I'm a worry wart to the max and to be quite honest, can not even BEGIN to worry about my silver fillings....I have a friend who had her's all removed in a short period and the teeth went to h%%% and she's now going thorugh root canal and crowns on all of them!!!!!

I do not seek reason to go to the dentist due to my phobia of sitting in that chair listening to the whine of the drill so replacing silver fillings unless the opportunity arises is nothing I'm interested in...ughhh...

That said, when I do get a replacement fillings, it's the newer type but who knows what's in them??????????????

Silver fillings, cell phones, microwave ovens, radon in my basement, deodorant and toothpaste, hormones in my chicken and beef, mercury in my fish....

I'm going for a long walk along the lake near me and clearing my mind

Momz

Watch out for what might be lurking under the calm waters of the lake! lol.
Here's a link for a laugh about teeth miseries.
http://www.monologues.co.uk/First_Ladies/My_Teeth.html

Check out the other one there called - "Will I have to be sexy at sixty?" I laughed and laughed - can't believe some of that stuff has already happened to me! And I aint even 60!