Dr. F.D. Ramirez, D.D.S

7052 Dublin Blvd., Dublin, CA 94568
Tel: 925-556-9994 | Fax: 556-6710
email | directions

Topic of Interest > Amalgam (Silver) Fillings

Almond Dental Care Limits The Use Of “Silver” Filling Material

Fact: “Silver” or amalgam dental fillings contain 48-55% mercury, 33-35% silver, and various amounts of copper, tin, zinc, and other metals. Mercury is the major component.

Fact: Better alternatives exist today – they are more biologically sound and make teeth stronger.

Fact: Scientific research has demonstrated that mercury, even in small amounts, can damage major organs and interfere with or suppress certain body systems. Mercury is a powerful poison and is continually released from mercury dental fillings in the form of mercury vapor and abraded particles. Chewing and brushing stimulate this process.

American Dental Association's Position

The ADA and various agencies of the United States Government still support the use of amalgam fillings. Their claim is that they are safe based on 150 years of use, and that there is insufficient scientific evidence that mercury exposure from dental fillings causes any known disease.

Dr. Ramirez's Position

Lately, there have been many debates about using amalgam (mercury-silver) fillings. Different groups are calling for the ban of amalgam. They claim that diseases such as Multiple Sclerosis, Alzheimer’s, Lupus and many other autoimmune and neurological disorders are either directly caused by, or initiated by the presence and subsequent leaking of mercury from these fillings. Many European countries have passed laws making it illegal to use mercury-containing fillings because of the effect that mercury can have on both people and the environment. Canada recently banned the use of these fillings in pregnant women and children.

While the debate rages, our office has taken a stand. While we do not like to recommend mercury-silver fillings for children, we will only use it in baby teeth. At Almond Dental Care, it is not offered as an option for adult teeth. Fillings containing mercury not only look terrible but, these amalgam fillings cause teeth to fracture, leading to root canals, crowns and tooth loss. When choosing a material for repairing and restoring broken or decayed teeth, the most critical thing we have to consider, is simply, what material will make the remaining tooth last the longest?

With the latest advances in porcelain materials, we can provide the best of all three of the following factors: we have found we can eliminate the mercury problems, make restorations that disappear in the tooth (making it look like a perfect tooth once again), and strengthen the tooth very nearly to its pre-decay condition. We have found a healthy way to restore teeth to ideal strength and appearance. This process is known as CEREC technology and can be done in one appointment! This includes onlay restorations and crowns.

Insurance Companies' Position

Many insurance companies are able to debate and even change the dental codes (they downgrade the fee) when white fillings or onlay and crown restorations are submitted. You may never realize what has been done by your insurance carrier.

Insurance companies should not be allowed to dictate treatment or to govern what materials a person can use to make his/her smile the best and longest lasting. Their overall aim is to pay the “lowest possible alternative treatment that addresses a covered problem”. An example is that if the insurance company finds that a mercury-silver filling will “fill the void,” then that is how they base their payment. In other words, the cheapest treatment—not necessarily the one recommended as the best answer for you.

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