At Greenbelt Dental Health, patients can enjoy mercury-safe and mercury-free dental treatment. We have the benefit of offering many services to patients in the Austin, TX area by a dentist who understands the importance of avoiding materials that are not compatible with patients’ overall health and wellness. Our practice is equipped with the latest technologies and the highest standards in dentistry to provide general, restorative, and cosmetic dentistry solutions that can assist patients in addressing common concerns within the smile.
What is mercury-safe dentistry?
For many years, dentists have used amalgam for addressing areas of tooth decay. Because of this, many patients have a number of amalgam fillings in their mouths. Unfortunately, amalgam fillings are made of approximately 50 percent mercury. The substance mercury can be toxic to the human body. When placed in the mouth as a filling and heated with chewing or drinking hot beverages, mercury vapors are released. This can carry into the body and cause a variety of concerns. In fact, in Europe, amalgam fillings have been banned for use in children, breastfeeding mothers, and pregnant women. This went into effect in July of 2018 and may be the start of reducing the use of controversial materials in the smile. Studies continue to show the hazards of dental amalgam, so our practice has never used this material for fillings and instead uses composite fillings which are more aesthetic and healthier. Additionally, we provide mercury-safe removal of these fillings and replacement right in our practice.
Why mercury-safe dentistry?
Mercury-safe dentistry is:
- Safer than practices that use silver amalgam fillings
- Affordable for patients
- More aesthetic within the smile
- One important way to eliminate the chances of mercury toxicity
- Readily available with Dr. Christopher Naranjo and his team of professionals
Replacement solutions
Many patients who have amalgam fillings in their smile are not only affected by their unsightly appearance, but they may also want to have them removed for safety reasons. Because of this, our team follows strict protocols set forth by the IAOMT to ensure removal and replacement is done safely and effectively. We use a safe replacement material known as composite resin. This is the same material often used to repair broken and chipped teeth. It can disguise gaps between the teeth as well. This material is strong, durable, and natural-looking. When it is placed as a filling and properly filed and polished, it looks just like natural tooth enamel and can be difficult to discern from the tooth structure. Outside of being safe and aesthetic, composite resin doesn’t expand and contract in the same way amalgam fillings do, reducing the risk of bacteria entering the inner canals of the tooth and causing infection or disease. This is just one more reason patients should consider replacement solutions for their amalgam fillings.
Who is a candidate for replacing fillings?
Any patient who would like to remove their amalgam fillings and replace them with composite resin fillings is welcome to visit the practice of Dr. Christopher Naranjo to learn about the advantages of treatment. Our practice provides patients with solutions that are safe and effective while maintaining biocompatibility and aesthetics. We encourage patients to find out more about the dangers of amalgam fillings and seek solutions that are healthier for their smile and body. Consultation appointments can be scheduled, during which time patients can be evaluated and ask questions about the replacement of their amalgam fillings.
Schedule a visit today!
Dr. Christopher Naranjo and his team of professionals at Greenbelt Dental Health, are available to assist patients in achieving beautiful, healthy smiles for life. If you are interested in learning about the benefits of biocompatible dentistry and addressing mercury materials, we welcome you to book an appointment at our practice, conveniently located at 1301 West 25th Street, Suite 402. Our office can be reached at (512) 472-3565 and is ready to assist new patients.