Terms like mercury safe, mercury free, biological, and holistic have in many ways become “buzz words” in the field of dentistry. Mercury free simply means that your dentist will not place amalgam fillings. Mercury safe dentists remove old amalgam fillings following the protocols set forth by the International Academy of Oral Medicine and Technology to minimize exposure to both the patient and the staff.
Silver amalgam fillings have been used for hundreds of years in dentistry. The mixture of metals can contain up to 50 percent liquid mercury, which is a known neurotoxin. In recent years, the potentially harmful effects of mercury exposure have become more widely disseminated in the medical world, with correlations being made between mercury exposure and neurological issues.
And it’s not just the mercury exposure that we’re concerned about. Amalgam is a temperature-sensitive material, which means it can easily expand or contract when exposed to hot or cold substances. This fluctuation in size can cause microscopic cracks in the enamel and even lead to an increase in tooth sensitivity, which can impact oral health.
As members of the IAOMT, Dr. Smith devote their time to continuing education on the dangers of Mercury and make it a priority to ensure their office is a safe environment for removing and disposing of old amalgam fillings.
For placing small fillings, Dr. Smith utilize composite resin. These types of fillings are placed directly into the tooth and require much less preparation than silver amalgam fillings. By removing less of the tooth, it helps preserve stability in the structure surrounding the filling.
In addition to providing mercury-free fillings, we also offer biocompatible options for patients who are in need of a crown, inlay, or onlay. CEREC restorations utilize safe, metal-free dental ceramic. This is an ideal dental material because of its strength, durability, and resemblance to natural tooth enamel. Not only do CEREC restorations last a long time, but you will no longer have that visible portion of metal near the gum line that is common with traditional crowns.
If you’ve decided to make the switch to a mercury-safe dental practice, we invite you to contact our office today at (855) 363-3793 to schedule your consultation.
If you’re looking for an alternative to traditional metal braces for straightening your smile, consider…
Are you looking for a cosmetic dentist near me? If so, count on the team…
Losing even one tooth can be difficult as it affects what you can eat and…
When it comes to fixing some dental issues, the saying "a little goes a long…
At Nashua Cosmetic and Restorative Dentistry, we are committed to helping patients restore and improve…
The importance of having a smile that you can feel confident about cannot be overstated.…