{"id":636,"date":"2026-06-22T22:25:29","date_gmt":"2026-06-22T22:25:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.cocoabeachdentist.com\/blog\/2026\/06\/22\/is-the-mercury-in-metal-fillings-enough-reason-to-replace-them\/"},"modified":"2026-06-22T22:25:29","modified_gmt":"2026-06-22T22:25:29","slug":"is-the-mercury-in-metal-fillings-enough-reason-to-replace-them","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.cocoabeachdentist.com\/blog\/2026\/06\/22\/is-the-mercury-in-metal-fillings-enough-reason-to-replace-them\/","title":{"rendered":"Is the Mercury in Metal Fillings Enough Reason to Replace Them?"},"content":{"rendered":"
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In the past, the only dental fillings that were available were amalgam. This material is strong and sturdy, but it often sticks out because of its shiny appearance. That said, as more research comes out, the mercury in it may be a problem for some patients. That said, is that enough reason to replace it with its tooth-colored counterpart<\/a>? Here is what you should know.<\/p><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

What Are Metal or Amalgam Fillings?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

As a quick refresher, amalgam fillings are restorations that are made of a metal alloy. Half of it was typically gold, silver, or tin, while the rest was made of mercury. The latter was used as a binding agent that helped make it more malleable. It allowed your dentist to manipulate and shape it to your tooth. Once in place, results often lasted for up to 15 years or longer when properly taken care of.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are Metal Fillings Really That Bad?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Over time, research has come out and shown that mercury can be toxic to the body in high amounts. If you have a metal filling, then you might imagine it\u2019s bad news, but a single restoration or two isn\u2019t typically trouble for most people. That said, it does release a vapor that can be an issue for some patients, such as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n