Our Toluca Lake dentists strive to provide exceptional mercury-free dental care to patientse of all ages. Today we are going to be giving you more information about how and why mercury is used in dentistry, as well as what you can do to avoid it.

Mercury In Dentistry

Mercury has traditionally been a component of amalgam fillings; these are fillings that contain a mixture of metals including copper, silver, tin, zinc, and mercury. It used to be that once your dentist removed a dental cavity, your one of your only options was to restore the tooth using amalgam.

Many patients do not want to have mercury in their mouths day in and day out. Mercury poisoning is a very serious condition that occurs when a patient is exposed to too much mercury. It often occurs when people ingest too much mercury through fish. The good news is that the American Dental Association has not determined that structurally sound amalgam fillings are a health risk for patients.

However, many patients prefer to avoid amalgam fillings because:

• They are heat-reactive, and can crack over time
• They are metallic and quite noticeable on the tooth’s surface
• Mercury vapors may be released if the filling is damaged or when it needs to be removed

Alternatives

Modern dentistry offers a number of alternatives to amalgam fillings. Your dental team will be able to help you make the right decision for your smile, but here is a little more information about what’s available…

• Composite: composite fillings are made from a mixture of plastic and resin. They can be shaded to match the color of the patient’s tooth.
• Ceramic: porcelain fillings can be designed to match the patient’s enamel color, exactly. They are also stain-resistant.
• Gold: gold fillings are actually made of a mixture of gold and other metals. These fillings are very durable, but they are also the most expensive option.

Whether you need a new restoration or you’re wanting to replace existing amalgam fillings, our Toluca Lake restorative dentists can help you get the type of care that works for you. Reach out to our team by calling our office, or by using the Contact Us page on our website to get started!