Did you know that many metal amalgam fillings contain mercury? Mercury is a neurotoxin that can cause problems if inhaled or accumulated in the body. Dr. Benjamin Stevens provides mercury-free white fillings at Beautiful Smiles in Greenwood, IN. These safe, modern alternatives to traditional metal fillings do not contain mercury. White dental fillings keep teeth clean and infection-free by sealing the tooth chamber after root canal treatment. Call Beautiful Smiles today if you have old metal fillings and need a safe replacement.
Mercury-Free Dental Fillings: FAQs
Do you have old metal dental fillings? Here you can learn more about metal fillings that contain mercury and the alternatives to these types of fillings:
Why is mercury unsafe?
Elemental mercury is a neurotoxin that affects the brain and organs of the body. An excess of mercury in the body can lead to problems like insomnia, nerve damage, and kidney issues. Many older types of fillings are silver fillings, which are 50% mercury and about 32% silver. Patients who have silver fillings release mercury vapors whenever they drink hot beverages. Chewing can also release mercury particles. It is important that patients with silver fillings find safer replacements to strengthen their injured teeth.
Can you remove and replace old metal dental fillings?
Yes, Dr. Stevens can carefully remove old metal fillings that contain mercury. Many patients who have metal fillings in the front of the mouth, or the “smile zone” may also want white fillings for a more aesthetically pleasing appearance. Dr. Stevens follows precautions when removing old fillings to ensure that patients do not inhale harmful toxins or fragments of their old fillings.
What are the benefits of white dental fillings?
White dental fillings are made of a safe composite resin. Because of this, they easily blend in with the color of natural teeth. Although these dental fillings are made of a different material, they still provide strength and stability to teeth. With metal fillings, patients are more prone to tooth sensitivity. When patients receive white fillings, their teeth are often less sensitive.
Receive Safe Dental Fillings Today
If you are a new patient, call Dr. Stevens at (317) 886-4512. Current patients of Beautiful Smiles may call (317) 888-4044. You may also request a dental consultation with Dr. Stevens online.