Should I have my old silver fillings replaced?

Recently there has been some controversy in the news about the safety of silver (amalgam) fillings. Some people at our Chesapeake dental office have expressed concern about the fact that amalgam is a mixture of metals that includes mercury.

We want you to know that repeat studies have shown that there is no reason to be concerned about the presence of mercury in amalgam fillings. In fact, dental amalgam has been used safely in millions of fillings for over 100 years. So, unless you have been told that your silver (amalgam) fillings are cracked or otherwise damaged, it is not necessary to have them replaced.

But there is an aesthetic element to consider as silver fillings do tend to darken over time, making them more noticeable. If this is a concern for you, Dr. Dukes can replace your silver fillings with newer tooth-colored composite material that blends perfectly with your natural teeth.

If you’re concerned about your amalgam fillings, please call our Chesapeake dental office. After performing a thorough examination, we can help you decide which approach is best for your particular situation.