What are the dangers of having mercury amalgam fillings?

Depends: It all depends on where you want to go with this. If you want to say there are dangers you can find lots of studies on line to verify it. The danger of mercury is well documented, whether or not it can leach from a filling and cause an issue is where the controversy is. My personal take is that if 1% of what they say is true then they are bad. I feel we have better alternatives in dentistry.

Why have one? : Besides all the contraversies over amalgam's safety one thing for sure is that amalgam fillings over time cause cracks in teeth because they don't bond to teeth. There are much better material options available to patients now.

Never proven: The original studies that claimed that mercury in amalgam fillings was being released each time we ate were flawed. Since that time much research and testing has taken place and the amalgam fillings were found to be safe. The new composite fillings are replacing amalgam for other reasons i.E cosmetics.

Newer, not always better: Large fillings cause teeth to crack, not necessarily amalgam. Recent studies show that silver fillings on back teeth last twice as long as tooth colored fillings. 6 vs 12 years. Porcelain inlays and onlays are an option if you don't mind the cost. Probably 5 or 6 times higher cost to patient. I know a root canal specialist the calls posterior composite (tooth colored fillings) "pulp killers." they keep him busy.

Quite a few: Whitening is considered very safe regardless of how much. More than several times a year would probably not get you any additional results. After an initial treatment of 1 hr in office or a two week take home regimen, i recommend to my patients 1 or 2 times a year is plenty for "touch up".

Neurotoxic: The potential for neurotoxicity and galvinism (electrical currents ) exist in the mouth with metal fillings. There are better options with less controversy. Educate yourself with the internet and speak to a holistic dentist to get more clarity.

None: There is no scientific evidence that amalgam fillings are dangerous to your health, just internet trash. After 150 years of use, you would think that the profession would know if amalgam was detrimental to your health. http://www.ada.org/en/about-the-ada/ada-positions-policies-and-statements/statement-on-dental-amalgam

Silver fillings: Both the ADA and AGD have publicly stated that amalgam fillings are safe and an economic and effective manner to repair teeth. Today's silver fillings have less mercury and compartmentalized in the capsules dentist use. You are more likely to get mercury poisoning from eating a lot of shellfish and/or bottom feeding fish like halibut. There are always two sides to every argument.

Not dangerous: Most research finds no relationship between fillings and symptoms of mercury poisoning or other side effects. Eventually, any cavity if not treated, can lead to pain, infection, root canal and even tooth loss. see your dentist for refill.