I've heard there is mercury in silver fillings. Should I have all of my silver fillings removed and replaced with white filling material?

Ask Doctor Wallin - Q & A

Q- I've heard there is mercury in silver fillings. Should I have all of my silver fillings removed and replaced with white filling material?

A - There is a lot of controversy surrounding silver filling material. I've seen some well place silver fillings in people's mouths that are over 50 years old...and probably only cost them $7 when it was place. 

However, more commonly I've seen huge pieces of tooth broken off from around the silver fillings, which then lead to more expensive dental treatment such as crowns and root canals. I cannot comment on the potential "danger" of the mercury in these fillings. But, I will say that the two most likely time that the filling could be deemed as such, are when it's first put in the mouth) the first 24 hours) and when it is drilled out to place a new filling in the tooth. 

These are the time when the mercury vapor surrounding the filling is the highest. My own preference is tooth colored filling material such as composite plastic or porcelain. I would wait until the fillings need to be replaced from normal wear and tear and then replace them with something that looks prettier. 

Author: Dr. Ryan Wallin D.D.S.

Source: Go Gilbert Magazine