Silver amalgam fillings have been the traditional method of filling a cavity for many years. The fillings is actually made from a metal known as mercury. Mercury is easy to manipulate and for many years worked great in replacing cavities. It has been discovered that mercury is actually extremely harmful to our health and since then there has been a great deal of debate over it's use in dentistry. The use of white fillings has become extremely popular and now the use of amalgam fillings is quite rare.

       While mercury is dangerous it is still debatable as to whether or not the use of silver amalgam fillings causes damage to your health. There are many who feel strongly that it does and many who feel otherwise. Some of the health problems attributed to mercury poisoning from fillings includes arthritis, dementia, multiple sclerosis and even Alzheimer's disease. Most dentists do not feel that the potential risks outweigh the ease of use and cheap cost and have started using composite resin fillings.

       If you have any silver amalgam fillings and are worried about the potential health risk they embody then you can have them removed and replaced with tooth colored fillings made from composites. These fillings look just like the rest of the tooth so they look better and they are almost as strong, but they bond to the tooth better. White fillings are now the norm in most dentist offices across the United States.

       If you would like learn more about getting your silver amalgam fillings replaced or if you need to see a cosmetic dentist, please consider the Atlanta Dental Group PC. Our Atlanta dental team is one of the most experienced in Atlanta with over 20 years of experience serving Atlanta's dental needs. Our dentists in Georgia are dedicated to their patients' good health and well being and you are more than welcome to join our family of patients. If you would like schedule an appointment with our Atlanta cosmetic dentist, call to make an appointment at 404-874-7428.