7 Benefits of Mercury-Free Dentistry

Mercury-free dentistry is a viable option for those concerned about the use of amalgam in dental fillings.

Amalgam, though used less often than it once was in the past, is still a common material used to fill cavities. It consists of a combination of metals that include mercury.

Mercury is used because it makes the mixture easy to manipulate and press into the tooth while still being able to harden quickly. However, some people have concerns regarding mercury’s effect on their health.

Benefits of choosing mercury-free dentistry.

If you are concerned about your health, then mercury-free dentistry may be a suitable choice for you.

Keep reading to see seven benefits of choosing this form of dentistry.

1. Safer for dentists and patients

Amalgam exposes dental professionals to mercury in the workplace. Mercury exposure can lead to some neurological and health problems. A person’s symptoms depend a great deal on the length of exposure, their age and their overall health. Most importantly, the largest factor is the amount of mercury they encounter.

A mercury-free dental facility creates a healthy working environment and holds true to the medical professional’s calling to do no harm.

2. Better for pregnant women

It is common knowledge that what an expectant mom eats or drinks can affect the baby. Any encounters with chemicals can also have an impact on the child.

Fillings with mercury may pose a risk to a developing infant. A study by the Norwegian Institute of Public Health found that mercury fillings could play a role in the perinatal death. Even after accounting for other harmful habits like smoking and drinking, a link between mercury fillings and infant death remained.

3. Healthier option

Mercury is toxic. Using it in fillings is an unsafe practice that should end. It can have effects on the immune, urinary, cardiac, respiratory and digestive systems.

Mercury can easily vaporize at room temperature and is odorless, tasteless and colorless. This leaves the patient and dentist unaware that it is being absorbed directly into the bloodstream.

4. Gives you a more natural smile

If you have a metal crown or filling, it will be quite noticeable when you smile or speak with others.

With mercury-free options, you can fill a cavity or protect a broken tooth with a restoration that blends in with your smile. A dentist can examine your teeth to color-match your restoration.

5. Better for the environment

Mercury can find its way into the water system easily. After a day of working with amalgam, a dental office may unknowingly send mercury out with the water leaving the office. It then pollutes the environment, contaminating public water sources. Removing it from dental procedures is one step closer to a healthier world.

6. It is a safe method

Evidence indicates that mercury exposure may lead to seizures, fibromyalgia, lupus, allergies and multiple sclerosis. It only takes seven fillings to reach a toxic level of mercury in your mouth.

7. There are stronger options

Composite dental fillings give great flexibility because they mimic the natural tooth. They help to strengthen a damaged tooth.

Amalgam fillings may break or shrink after a few years of use. Not only can this damage the tooth, but it can also allow bacteria to enter the cavity.

Should you remove amalgam fillings?

The research around using mercury in dental fillings is complex. Even if you are opting for mercury-free dentistry, it may be unnecessary to remove previous amalgam fillings.

By attempting to remove good fillings, the dentist can damage the healthy sections of the tooth. Also, the chances of releasing mercury into your system are greater than if you just leave your metal fillings in place.

Schedule a consultation with our office to start experiencing the benefits of mercury-free dentistry.

Request an appointment here: https://whiteflintfamilydental.com or call White Flint Family Dental at (301) 273-1085 for an appointment in our Rockville office.

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