Amalgam is a commonly used dental material to treat and fill cavities. This has much to do with its strength and durability; it is also the most inexpensive type of filling compared to other options such as gold, composite or porcelain. Amalgam is made of an equal amount of elemental liquid mercury and an alloy powder containing silver, copper, tin and usually a small amount of zinc. However, due to an increasing emphasis on keeping smiles metal-free for health and aesthetic reasons, today fewer dentists recommend amalgam as optimal treatment.

A Stitch in Time

Historically, a mercury based material was used to fill decayed teeth as early as the 7th century by the Chinese. By the Middle Ages, it became a popular tooth filling across the globe. Then, around 1859, tin was added to refine the use of amalgam for teeth; this is now the mixture that we are familiar with today.

Gossip, Rumors & Hoopla

Over the years, there has been much concern about the safety of this abundant dental material. This has been a serious concern for many consumers, and numerous research studies have been conducted to dispel the many myths that surround dental amalgam. A panel was convened comprising of scientists from the National Institutes of Health's National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, the Center for Devices and Radiological Health of the FDA, the CDC, and the Public Health Service's chief dental officer, here are their results:

Myth 1: Mercury causes Alzheimer’s.

- Methyl mercury is commonly found in fish and can be harmful to the brain if taken in large amounts.

- Evidence showed that 95% of people have mercury levels at or lower that that deemed harmful by the World Health Organization (WHO)

- The Alzheimer’s Association states there is “no relationship between silver dental fillings and Alzheimer’s.”

Myth 2: Amalgam releases mercury vapor that can be harmful to your health.

- A WHO consensus states that a small amount of mercury is released during placement and removal of fillings, but has “not been shown to cause any adverse health effects.”

Myth 3: Mercury is harmful to pregnant women.

- Many women are concerned about amalgam fillings during pregnancy. To ease this concern, talk to your dentist about alternatives. For example, if a filling needs to be placed when you are pregnant, composite (white) fillings could be a viable option.

Amalgam in a Nutshell

If you are allergic to mercury, silver and/or any of the materials used in amalgam, your dentist will not recommend any further use. It’s important to realize also that amalgam may require more drilling than other types of fillings. Your dentist will have to drill a whole in your tooth big enough to accommodate the amalgam. Composite -- the most commonly used alternative to amalgam matches your teeth and with proper maintenance can last as long as any amalgam filling. Composite fillings, subsequently, require much less drilling.

Before embarking on any kind of dental work, have a frank discussion with your dentist. Ask about alternatives, treatment options and likelihood of any adverse reaction. Together, you and your dentist will decide the best course of action.

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