{"id":88,"date":"2025-08-15T16:00:00","date_gmt":"2025-08-15T16:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.southwestdentalboise.com\/blog\/?p=88"},"modified":"2026-02-17T15:51:11","modified_gmt":"2026-02-17T15:51:11","slug":"remove-metal-fillings-for-your-health","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.southwestdentalboise.com\/blog\/2025\/08\/15\/remove-metal-fillings-for-your-health\/","title":{"rendered":"Why Remove Your Old Metal Fillings? Your Health Is Involved!"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

For many years, dentists relied solely on silver amalgam fillings (also called metal fillings) to treat cavities. Certainly, these fillings are strong, and they served their purpose. However, dentistry has evolved, and more and more people \u2014 both dentists and their patients \u2014 are gravitating toward other options. Why should you consider replacing your old metal fillings with a more modern alternative<\/a>? As this blog post explains, your health could be at stake.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Amalgam Fillings and Blood Mercury Levels<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Silver amalgam fillings are made of roughly 50% mercury. For a long time, it was widely thought that this was not a problem; the relatively minor mercury exposure seemed not to be a threat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, recent research<\/a> on the subject is worth considering. A study published in 2016 looked at data from nearly 15,000 individuals. It was found that those with more than eight fillings had 150% more mercury in their blood than individuals with no fillings! This can happen because even in its solid state, mercury can release vapors that get inhaled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While some individuals do not notice any obvious symptoms because of their fillings, others are more sensitive. They may experience issues like memory problems, tremors, headaches, mood changes, and gut inflammation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tooth-Colored Fillings: A Biocompatible Alternative<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you are concerned about the presence of mercury in your old fillings, talk to your dentist about your options. They may recommend that you swap out those old restorations for tooth-colored fillings. These are made of a biocompatible composite resin, which is completely metal-free. <\/em>Therefore, they carry absolutely zero risk of mercury poisoning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

They also offer some other outstanding advantages:<\/p>\n\n\n\n