Silver Fillings and Your Health 

By Farzin Ghanavati, DDS

Burke Dental

. https://burkedental.com/

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Silver Fillings and Your Health 

What You Should Know About Amalgam and Metal Restorations

For decades, silver-colored dental amalgam has been used to restore teeth damaged by cavities. Amalgam is durable and long-lasting, but it contains a mixture of metals, including elemental mercury, silver, copper, and tin. Today, many patients are asking whether older silver fillings are still the best choice for their smile and overall wellness—and whether they should consider replacing them with modern, tooth-colored materials.

Dental amalgam releases small amounts of mercury vapor, especially during chewing, grinding, placement, and removal. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration states that available evidence does not show harmful health effects from dental amalgam in most people. However, the FDA recommends that certain higher-risk groups discuss alternatives to amalgam when appropriate. For patients who are concerned about mercury exposure, metal sensitivity, appearance, cracks, leakage, or aging restorations, an individualized dental evaluation is important.

At Burke Dental, Dr. Farzin Ghanavati takes a holistic approach by considering the health of the tooth, surrounding tissues, bite, existing restoration, and the patient’s individual concerns. Dr. Ghanavati is a holistic dentist with more than 27 years of experience in cosmetic dentistry, implant dentistry, and Invisalign treatment. He welcomes patients who are looking for a holistic dentist in Burke, VA, and want to discuss their existing silver fillings or metal restorations.

Should every silver filling be removed? Not necessarily. However, replacement may be appropriate when an old filling is cracked, leaking, broken, surrounded by recurrent decay, compromising the tooth, or when a patient and dentist determine that replacement is appropriate after discussing benefits and risks.

When amalgam removal is indicated, careful technique is important. Burke Dental focuses on minimizing unnecessary exposure and protecting the patient while removing the existing restoration. Depending on how much healthy tooth structure remains, the tooth may then be restored with a modern tooth-colored composite filling, porcelain restoration, or zirconia restoration. These metal-free options can provide excellent strength, function, and a natural-looking result.

Older metal crowns should also be evaluated periodically. Wear, open margins, fractures, gum changes, or decay beneath a crown may indicate that replacement should be considered. Porcelain and zirconia restorations offer attractive alternatives for appropriately selected patients.

If you have had silver fillings or metal crowns for many years, you do not need to make a decision based on fear. Start with a comprehensive examination. Understanding the condition of each restoration allows you to make an informed choice based on your oral health, personal preferences, and long-term treatment goals.

If you are searching for a holistic dentist in Burke, VA, Dr. Farzin Ghanavati and the Burke Dental team can evaluate your existing restorations and discuss safe, conservative options for replacing silver fillings or aging metal restorations with composite, porcelain, or zirconia materials designed for your individual dental needs.