Looking for information on mercury-free dentistry because you recently found out that you need one or more fillings and would like to know more about your mercury-free choices? Good idea. Amalgam fillings, more commonly known as silver fillings or mercury fillings, have been used as a dental restoration for filling cavities for many years. Silver fillings are made up of about 50 percent elemental mercury, with the other 50 percent including a mix of silver, tin and copper. While many people still make the choice to use silver fillings to address their tooth decay, many more are looking into their filling options because they do not want metals in their mouth, especially mercury.
According to the Food and Drug Administration, deciding what filling material to use to treat dental decay is a choice that must be made by you and your dentist.
The fact that mercury fillings will slowly release low levels of mercury over a period of time means that those who have mercury fillings are at risk of inhaling the mercury vapor, which is absorbed into the lungs. It is also possible for mercury to be absorbed into the body when chewing, by drinking hot liquids and through the act of grinding or clenching one’s teeth. There are still studies to this day being performed on the effects that mercury fillings can cause to someone who makes this filling choice. For those who are allergic to metals, it is highly advised that they make a filling choice that does not include any type of metal.
When a patient chooses mercury-free dentistry, they are choosing not to have any potentially harmful metals placed in their mouth for restoration purposes. This is especially important for dental patients who are considered to be sensitive or even allergic to metals. It is important for patients to understand how the dental materials they choose to fill their cavities can affect their overall health, including their immune system. For this reason, mercury-free dentistry should be utilized by those who have immune system problems, severe allergies, autoimmune diseases, liver problems, those who take multiple medications and those who prefer holistic dentistry methods.
Safe filling choices include gold fillings, ceramic fillings, glass ionomer fillings and composite resin fillings, also known as tooth-colored fillings. Keep in mind that while patients do have choices, it will ultimately depend on the type of cavity and where it is located when it comes to one’s filling options.
Have you chosen mercury-free dentistry to get your cavities filled? Now that you understand more about how mercury can potentially cause risks to your overall health, have you chosen another dental material to get your cavities filled? The sooner you address any tooth decay in your mouth, the better. Tooth decay does not go away and instead will only continue to get worse if you do not take action now. If you would like to make a consultation appointment so you can ask one of our dental professionals about your mercury-free filling choices, great! We await your phone call.
Are you considering mercury-free dentistry in the Troy area? Get more information at https://www.thanasasdds.com.
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