Are Your Fillings Making You Sick?

Did You Know Your Silver Fillings Contain Mercury?

Yes—you read that right. Traditional dental amalgam fillings are made of up to 50% mercury. But wait… isn’t mercury bad for your health? Absolutely. Mercury is a toxic heavy metal, and no amount is considered truly safe for the human body.

So why is it still allowed in dentistry?

The American Dental Association (ADA) supports the FDA’s position that the choice of restorative material should be made between patient and dentist, claiming current evidence shows amalgam is not harmful to the general population. The ADA calls dental amalgam a “durable, safe, and effective” filling option.

However, the FDA issued important guidance:

These high-risk groups include:

• Pregnant women and developing fetuses

• Women planning to become pregnant

• Nursing mothers and infants

• Children (especially under age 6)

• Individuals with neurological conditions (MS, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s)

• People with kidney impairment

• Anyone with mercury allergy or sensitivity

The FDA made these recommendations after reviewing published literature and hearing from healthcare professionals and the public. While the ADA argues there’s “little to no information” on specific effects for these groups, research on mercury toxicity is extensive—just a quick PubMed search will reveal countless studies on its health risks.

What if your insurance only covers amalgam?

Unfortunately, some dental insurance plans still cover only amalgam fillings—or they downgrade benefits if you choose a composite (tooth-colored) filling, making it more expensive for you.

Here’s the good news:
You always have the right to pay out of pocket for the material you prefer. Informed choice matters, and you can absolutely decline amalgam.

Already have amalgams and want them removed?

If you decide to remove existing mercury fillings, do NOT let them be drilled out without protection. Mercury vapor and particles are released during removal, and inhaling or ingesting them can be extremely harmful.

The safest way to do this is by following the IAOMT’s Safe Mercury Amalgam Removal Technique (SMART). These are comprehensive safety protocols to protect you, the dental team, and the environment, including:

✅ Amalgam separators to prevent mercury waste entering waterways
✅ High-volume air filtration and suction near your mouth
✅ Dental dam to isolate teeth
✅ External oxygen or air for the patient during removal
✅ Sectioning amalgam into large chunks rather than grinding
✅ Copious water to minimize heat and vapor
✅ Use of absorbents like charcoal or chlorella before and after the procedure
✅ Protective gowns, nitrile gloves, face shields, and sealed respiratory-grade masks for everyone in the room

Following these steps significantly reduces exposure to mercury vapor and particles during removal.

Bottom line:

• Mercury in dental fillings is real, and it matters.

• High-risk individuals should avoid amalgam altogether.

• You always have the right to choose a safer material—even if it costs extra.

• If removing old amalgams, demand SMART protocol for your safety.

True wellness starts in your mouth.
Dr. Norma Cortez
Your Biological & Airway Dentist