Frequently Asked Questions
Wausau Dentistry
Q: How safe are silver fillings?
A: Silver fillings are actually a material called amalgam, containing about 50% mercury and 50% of various other metals. Although amalgam has been deemed safe by the FDA, the US Public Health Service, and the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, mercury by itself is known to be highly toxic. However, in recent years, amalgam has been largely replaced by resin and composite materials, which now comprise about 70% of all fillings.
A: Silver fillings are actually a material called amalgam, containing about 50% mercury and 50% of various other metals. Although amalgam has been deemed safe by the FDA, the US Public Health Service, and the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, mercury by itself is known to be highly toxic. However, in recent years, amalgam has been largely replaced by resin and composite materials, which now comprise about 70% of all fillings.
