Advances in technology have enabled our world to become safer for both ourselves and our environment. Cars are a prime example of this, as they are both safer and more fuel efficient than they have been in the past. This progress has also touched modern dentistry. At Independence Family Dentistry, we only recommend mercury-free fillings to every patient. What does this mean for you? Dr. Danny Nakla, your dentist in Florence, explains it all.

Mercury in Dentistry

In the past, if your tooth was damaged from decay or injury, your dentist might use a filling to repair it. These fillings were typically made of amalgam, a metallic substance consisting of silver, tin, copper, and metallic mercury. Many people are aware that mercury can be quite poisonous, leading to tremors, insomnia, headaches, and even heart problems. The obvious question is why would anyone put this in their mouth? Previously, amalgam was an easily accessible and durable material that was ideal for teeth restoration. As with many substances that have been used in the past, it was eventually discovered to have dangerous properties. Amalgam fillings are the primary source of mercury exposure in America. Every time you bite or chew, you are exposed to mercury in small doses. Amalgam fillings are also a dark metallic color, meaning they stick out cosmetically. The substance also doesn’t actually bond to your teeth; it has to sit in a pocket created by the dentist, meaning more of your tooth needs to be removed to accommodate it.

The Mercury-Free-Alternative

Due to the potential danger, mercury-fillings are commonly not recommended for pregnant women or young children. We take it a step further and do not recommend them for anyone. This is the safest approach, but also has other benefits. We use a composite resin to do our fillings. This is a plastic substance that is held together with microscopic glass particles. Not only is the resin non-toxic, but it can also be colored to perfectly match your other teeth. This enables the filling to be both restorative and cosmetic in nature. Also, our tooth-colored fillings are actually able to bond with your tooth enamel. This not only gives you a more secure fit, but also helps your dentist near Florence preserve more of your natural tooth’s structure. Tooth-colored fillings involve a relatively painless procedure that can typically be completed in one visit.

Have Any Questions?

If you want to know more about our tooth-colored fillings or how mercury-free dentistry can benefit you, please give us a call today. Your health and safety are always our top priorities, which is why we use the most advanced materials and procedures available today.