Mercury-Free Dentistry
Elemental mercury is a toxic substance known to be harmful to human health. Traditionally, dental fillings and tooth crowns made with metal amalgam were about 50% mercury. At Dentonics, Inc., our experienced holistic dentist uses only those materials that benefit your health and well-being. We are proud to offer mercury-free dentistry. To schedule an appointment in Allison Park, please call our staff at (412) 487-6910.
The Problem: Mercury In Metal Dental Restorations
According to the International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology (IAOMT), metal dental fillings are 45-55% elemental mercury. Metal dental fillings are our greatest source of exposure to elemental mercury, accounting for more than all other sources combined (such as seafood, air, and water).
US health agencies believe this is an acceptable level of mercury exposure and that the health risks are low enough to be tolerable. Based on extensive research findings, IAOMT and our dentists hold that any amount of mercury exposure is hazardous to human health.
Problems Linked To Mercury in Dentistry
Mercury turns to vapor at room temperature. A damaged or abraded metal dental restoration releases mercury vapor. Once you inhale the vapor, it is easily absorbed into the bloodstream. Mercury builds up in your body over time, possibly for years, if you have metal restorations that are not replaced with composite restorations.
Elemental mercury in your body can be toxic. Over time, the immune system may be negatively affected. It may also lead to problems with the urinary, respiratory, and digestive systems, as well as cardiac health.
The Solution: Mercury-Free Dentistry
At Dentonics, Inc., we have always rejected the notion that dental restorations must contain harmful mercury. With today’s materials and technologies, there’s no excuse to keep providing metal fillings and crowns. We choose to provide our guests with biocompatible, environmentally friendly materials and techniques.
Not only will we place composite resin fillings and dental crowns for new restoration needs, but we also perform replacement appointments. You don’t have to continue living with your old metal fillings. We can safely and efficiently remove them and then replace them with composite restorations.
It’s important to find an IAOMT dentist like ours to remove dental fillings. If performed incorrectly, the appointment could expose you to even greater levels of mercury as it is being removed. Our dentist knows how to remove them in a way that prevents particles and vapors from getting into your airway.
Once the appointment is complete, you will have beautiful teeth. The composite fillings and dental crowns at our practice match the natural color of your teeth and do not contain any mercury. They are also durable and will last for many years, possibly decades.
Other Drawbacks of Metal Tooth Restorations
Metal restorations have other drawbacks:
- Any metal dental work is an unattractive addition to your smile. The metal may stand out, so much so that people may be able to see it when you laugh or smile.
- Metal dental fillings are packed into your tooth, while composite fillings are bonded to the enamel. Metal fillings require more healthy tooth structure to be removed than a composite filling. It’s always a good idea to conserve as much natural, healthy tooth structure as possible.
- Metal fillings expand and contract in response to temperature fluctuations in your mouth. As such, they sometimes break or crack a tooth. Composite fillings do not.
