The subject of amalgam fillings has been a controversial topic in the field of dentistry. Amalgam fillings (often called silver fillings by dentists who still use them) are about 50% mercury.

Although mercury is toxic, it has been thought that it was not released to the body during use as a filling material. Recent research, however, seems to show that these fillings do release a very small amount of mercury vapor during the chewing process.

Whether or not this amount of mercury is actually harmful to the body is the main point of contention in this debate. Most people have some silver amalgam fillings in their teeth with no apparent adverse effects, and no harm from the mercury in amalgam fillings has ever been absolutely proven.

However, it has never been proven that it is not harmful, either. And the new white composite fillings have other advantages, besides not having any mercury. Many people are preferring the mercury-free fillings because of this health issue.

Amalgam fillings		Mercury-free composite fillings

Dr. Guffey and his associates are mercury-free dentists. They don't place amalgam fillings unless that's what a patient wants.

If you choose to have your mercury fillings removed and replaced with white fillings, Dr. Guffey and his staff follow a protocol designed to minimize your exposure to the mercury dust that is created by removing the existing amalgam. If this is a particular concern of yours, please let us know.