Health Leader, Silver Fillings

Silver Fillings

What is a dental amalgam?

Dental amalgams, or silver fillings, are made from a mixture of silver, copper and tin, and are bound with mercury
Amalgams can be the most affordable, quickest way to restore teeth, and is used in about 50% of all dental cases

Is a dental amalgam safe?

No scientific studies have demonstrated that the mercury contained in dental amalgam is harmful
The United States Public Health Service and the Food and Drug Administration Dental Products Panel have determined that amalgam is safe for preserving a tooth's structure

Are there other options to amalgams?

The decision to replace the amalgam depends on esthetic concerns, cost, tooth location, your wishes and time demands
Other materials include gold, porcelain and composite resin

Reprinted with permission from the Academy of General Dentistry

» Back to Dental Health Tips

Inside HealthLeader:

Diseases & Disorders
Women’s Health
Men’s Health
Children & Teens
Mind, Body & Soul
Lifestyle & Trends
Dental Health Tips

Health Tip:

Men: Pay Attention
to Your Bicycle Seat

Men who bike more than three hours a week should be aware that standard bicycle seats, ridden for extended periods, can cause temporary numbness and, in some, more serious problems, such as erectile dysfunction.

Such problems are caused by compression of an artery and a nerve connected to the penis. New seat designs to minimize compression are now available.
Other preventive measures you can incorporate:

change the position (height) of the seat
use a padded or wide seat
stand frequently on the pedals
frequently shift positions while riding
avoid significant time in the forward position
use the legs to absorb shocks when riding over bumps.