For decades, silver fillings were considered the standard in dentistry. Today, the conversation is changing as more research explores how the materials used in the mouth may interact with the body over time. At Colorado Dental Wellness Center, we look beyond cavities to understand how dental materials interact with your body over time, giving you the insight and guidance to protect not just your teeth, but your overall well-being.
So here are the facts:
- Silver fillings, commonly known as dental amalgam, have been used in dentistry for over a hundred years because they are durable and cost-effective.
- Amalgam is not just silver; roughly half of it is elemental mercury, mixed with silver, tin, copper, and other metals, with mercury helping to bind everything together so the filling can withstand daily chewing.
- Even during normal activities like chewing or brushing, trace amounts of mercury vapor can be released.
- According to the American Dental Association (ADA), these tiny exposures are considered within safe limits, though other public health organizations continue to study and monitor potential effects.
So you may ask, “If it’s not broken, why fix it?” Many people have lived with their silver fillings for decades without issues, believing that as long as they function, they’re safe. But over time, even well‑placed amalgam fillings release tiny amounts of mercury vapor during chewing, grinding, or brushing. Researchers and functional medicine experts, including those at the Pompa Program, emphasize that long-term mercury exposure can accumulate in the body, contributing to cellular stress, inflammation, and bioaccumulation. These subtle, chronic exposures may interfere with processes such as immune regulation, detoxification, and antioxidant defense, underscoring why some patients are seeking safer, biocompatible alternatives.
For many individuals, amalgam fillings remain stable for years without obvious symptoms. However, a growing awareness of how heavy metal exposure impacts cellular function has led some patients to explore alternative restorative materials that do not contain mercury.
Today, dentistry offers several options to restore teeth effectively while avoiding mercury. Composite fillings and ceramic restorations bond directly to the tooth structure and allow repair while preserving a more natural tooth structure than traditional amalgam. In biological dentistry, we also consider the compatibility of materials with the body when recommending treatments.
If a patient chooses to replace old amalgam fillings, the removal process should be performed carefully. Improper techniques can release mercury particles and vapor into the air. This concern is why many biological dentists follow protocols such as the Safe Mercury Amalgam Removal Technique (SMART), which includes specialized protective measures to reduce mercury exposure for patients and dental professionals. While not all dental schools teach these protocols, they are widely recommended within biological and integrative dental communities.
Mainstream organizations like the FDA and ADA consider amalgam safe for most people, and that perspective deserves acknowledgment. However, biological and integrative medicine research tells a different story, one where long-term, low-level mercury exposure contributes to cellular stress, inflammation, and toxic burden that the body quietly carries over time.
At Colorado Dental Wellness Center, our position is clear. We do not place amalgam fillings, and for patients who have existing ones, we believe evaluation for safe removal is worth a serious conversation. Not every filling needs to come out immediately, but cracked, worn, leaking, or decay-surrounded fillings should be addressed without delay. For patients with multiple old amalgams or ongoing chronic health concerns, biocompatible replacement is something we recommend exploring.
When removal is the right choice, we follow the SMART protocol, a specialized process designed to protect you, your provider, and everyone in the room from unnecessary mercury exposure during the procedure. I, Dr. Atousa, evaluate every case individually, as your health history, your goals, and your biology all matter in making the right decision.
The current state of your oral health, including the materials used for restorations, is a result of past decisions. Every filling and every restoration choice has played a role in your overall well-being today. The encouraging news is that you have the power to make different choices now.
At Colorado Dental Wellness Center, we are committed to the principle that a genuinely healthy mouth complements your overall body wellness. We offer clarity, safety, and care that extends far beyond the physical procedure, whether you are beginning to explore your options or have been considering this path for some time. We are here to guide you through this important conversation.
