A cavity is one of the most common problems that lead to urgent dental care visits, but, thankfully, cavities are easily treated with fillings. Fillings stop the spread of decay and eliminate the toothache related to cavities.
At Dr. Darj Dental, in El Paso, Texas, Mehrnoosh Darj, DDS, offers mercury-free dentistry, including fillings. Here’s why some people prefer mercury-free fillings.
Traditional amalgam fillings contain a mixture of metals as well as the elemental metal mercury. The mercury-free movement is fueled by concerns about potential health risks associated with mercury exposure as well as a desire for aesthetically pleasing dental restorations.
The World Health Organization (WHO) lists mercury as one of the top 10 public health concerns. It’s a naturally occurring element that can contribute to serious health implications on your nervous system, your digestive system, and your immune system. Mercury can also affect specific organs, such as your lungs, skin, eyes, and kidneys.
According to the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), even the tiny bit of mercury that’s in an amalgam filling can release small amounts of mercury vapor when you chew.
While the American Dental Association (ADA) and other health organizations such as the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) assert that amalgam fillings are safe, some individuals prefer to avoid any potential risk and choose mercury-free options for peace of mind.
Mercury-free fillings are sometimes referred to as composite, resin, or tooth-colored fillings. They’re an alternative to traditional amalgam fillings but without the telltale silver look. This means that no one has to know you have a filling when you smile or talk.
You can benefit from a mercury-free filling if:
Dental fillings are one of the most common dental procedures. They can halt the spread of decay and can save you from more complex tooth repair procedures down the road. Choosing a mercury-free filling gives you all of the benefits of filling but without the potential risks of mercury.
Dr. Darj prioritizes mercury-free fillings so you never have to choose between getting a filling and exposing yourself to a WHO top 10 chemical of concern.
If you have a cavity, the process for getting a mercury-free filling is similar to the process for amalgam fillings but with a few small differences.
After Dr. Darj confirms you have a cavity, she:
Because the tooth-colored composite material is applied layer by layer, getting a composite filling may take a few minutes longer than getting a silver filling.
Questions? If you suspect you have a cavity or you’d like to learn more about mercury-free dentistry, give us a call at 915-213-3767. You can also use our online booking system to set up your next appointment.
