At Dr. Haddad’s dental office, we believe in practicing mercury-free dentistry whenever possible. While traditional, amalgam fillings have been used for years as a low-cost and durable option for restoring teeth, more and more patients are asking about the safety of the mercury contained therein.
Though the mercury present in metal dental restorations is small, there are those who prefer treatments with no mercury as a more holistic choice for oral health and aesthetics.
Here are a few of the reasons we present patients with metal and mercury-free treatments within our dental practice:
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Mercury vapor can travel. When the amalgam fillings are placed and removed, all patients in the office can be exposed to mercury vapor, which is released during procedures and can be circulated through air ducts. While this amount of mercury is minimal, it’s best to reduce or eliminate exposure when possible.
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We err on the side of safety. The American Dental Association has stated that amalgam fillings are safe and have not found any links between these fillings and medical issues. While this is true, more and more dental practices are moving towards being mercury-free. Currently more than 50% of dental practices have stopped using these fillings. Dr. Haddad is one of the many dental practitioners who offer patients options for mercury-free restorations and metal-free dentistry to better serve their concerns and preferences.
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Protecting quality and comfort - We strive to offer the best dental procedures we can to our patients, which is one of the driving forces behind why we chose to provide metal-free options. In offering alternatives to traditional fillings, we are helping to ensure that patients can access treatment that meets their needs and instill confidence that they are receiving the greatest health benefit from their dental procedures.
An added benefit to using a tooth-colored filling is that they can be made to look like natural teeth. Amalgam fillings can create sensitivity to temperatures and pressure from everyday chewing, which increases risk for developing hairline fractures or pain due to sensitivity. Amalgam free fillings, however, are a gentler alternative.
Our dental practice can offer numerous alternatives to the traditional fillings by using tooth-colored dental composite. When it comes to larger dental restorations, we can also provide metal-free dental crowns made from aesthetic porcelain. We are more than happy to consult with you on replacing your existing amalgam fillings, or move forward with alternative fillings if you need any in the future.
Please contact our office to see what Dr. Haddad and his practice can recommend for your individual health concerns and preferences.