Can you tell me, are silver fillings bad for your health?

They are not!: They have been used for over 150 years, stood the test of time and to date there is not one legitimate study to my knowledge that proves otherwise. However, you do have other options regarding filling or restoring teeth if you are concerned.

Essentially no: For the majority of people, the amalgam (silver colored) fillings are safe and not detrimental to your health. Some people are sensitive to something in this mixture and can affect their health. One problem with silver fillings is that as they age, the fillings expand and can cause cracks in the teeth, weakening the teeth and causing some parts of the tooth to break off.

No: This is based on the best level of factual information currently available known as "evidence based science". We must make decisions about everything we use and do in medicine and dentistry or we will be subjected to mere subjective opinions and anecdotal heresay.

Yes and no: The mere presence does not affect your health, but removing them and swallowing the debris is not the best thing for you. They also do have a higher incidence of cracked teeth.

No: It's a tempest in a tea pot. Used properly, there are pros and cons to all types of filling materials. Your Dentist will know the best material to use for each restorative situation. Trust his/her education and experience.

I can tell you this: Amalgam restorations have been around for over 150 years. You would think that after a billion silver fillings have been placed, we would know if there was a problem. You can choose whatever material you want or replace the fillings you have... It's your $$$. But it won't change your health.

Safe: Silver fillings, or amalgams, have been a proven restorative filling material for over 100 years, and there have always been controversies by some people. There have been several hundred million amalgams placed with no proven ill affects on health. The only thing that is a negative is the fact that amalgams do not strengthen teeth as do composite resins.

No, Safe and Durable: The silver fillings are safe and durable choice. Most research finds no relationship between fillings and symptoms of mercury poisoning or other side effects.