Did you know that silver fillings, which are typically referred to as amalgam fillings, contain 50% mercury by weight? Originally created in the 1800s, these fillings are unhealthy for your mouth (and body) because mercury is a toxic substance. That’s why we are continually warned about consuming fish from mercury-filled waters and to limit how much of this seafood we ingest.

It’s no surprise then that you might be worried about using mercury dental fillings to fix cavities in your mouth. Luckily, using amalgam fillings is less and less common these days, although there are still a few dental clinics that will offer this alternative because they are less costly. But more and more dentists around the globe are aware of the potential health risks associated with mercury fillings and are more likely to recommend mercury-free fillings for their patients and even for the environment.

We are proud to say that our dental practice is one of those, and our dentist is a mercury-free dentist! Instead of harmful amalgam fillings, we are pleased to offer our patients white, composite fillings, a much healthier option because they contain no mercury and are metal free. A bonus benefit to these healthier fillings is that they blend in with the rest of your teeth for a completely natural appearance!

Mercury-Free Dentistry Benefits

-Avoids potential health problems: Health issues can come from ingesting toxic vapors released by mercury fillings. The side effects of mercury vapors ingested by the body can lead to serious diseases in the brain, lungs and kidneys. Neurological issues like seizures, chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia and lupus are also linked to mercury vapors and depends on how long you have been exposed and how healthy you are at the onset.

-Avoid neurotoxic effects: Mercury-free dentists often advise our pregnant patients to avoid or limit seafood and fish because of the trace amounts of mercury that can spread through the body via the bloodstream. In fact, both pregnant women and children are extra vulnerable to potential neurotoxic effects from the vapors.

-Avoid triggering mercury allergies: When it comes to sensitivities, people who are allergic to mercury are more likely to experience symptoms that are fatal. Not only that, but you can also be allergic to the other elements in amalgam fillings, including silver, copper or tin.

-Our mercury-free fillings are not just strong but cost-effective: While amalgam fillings tend to break or shrink over time, mercury-free fillings are sturdier and last for a long time if you’re taking good care of your teeth, i.e. healthy oral hygiene habits coupled with routine dental cleanings and exams.

-Better aesthetics: Mercury-free fillings blend in with your natural smile thanks to their tooth-colored appearance. That’s one of the goal of modern dental work is to make it blend in with the rest of your smile. Our dentist can match the color of your dental filling so it looks natural. People can’t even tell that you have fillings!

-Enjoy better health: Amalgam fillings contaminate your blood with mercury throughout your bloodstream while mercury-free fillings don’t harm your health and a healthier environment. Keeping your mouth free from the toxic effects of mercury also means not contaminating public water sources when you brush your teeth.

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Exposure to mercury can sneak up on you because unless you know you have mercury fillings, you might not be aware of the vapors. That’s because mercury vapors don’t signal their presence as they are odorless, tasteless and colorless. Avoid the dark side of amalgam fillings with mercury-free dentistry so your smile will look and feel healthier than ever. Call to learn more or to schedule your next dental visit!