Reasons we use mercury safe fillings in our Greenville practice

Being told that a filling is needed can be somewhat unpleasant to hear for most people. The procedure required to place a filling, however, is nothing compared to what that restoration could do to your health. For decades, dentists have used amalgam fillings to restore function to teeth that have been affected by decay. For years, this practice was thought to be completely acceptable, with the mercury base serving a purpose in the metal alloy mix. Although the FDA finds no reason to eliminate the use of mercury in silver mercury fillings (amalgams), there are, fortunately, dentists who now place only mercury safe fillings, as Dr. Palmer does in our Greenville practice.

There are a number of reasons to avoid silver mercury fillings (amalgams). Primarily, it is necessary to acknowledge that this element has been proven the most poisonous, non-radioactive substance to occur naturally on Earth. It carries more toxicity than all other heavy metals, and is even more toxic than lead and arsenic. While the FDA does not find reason to voice concern over the exposure to mercury through amalgam fillings, the World Health Organization (WHO) has stated that mercury is harmful at any level of exposure. This substance has consequently been removed from paints as well as in thermometers and other instruments used in the medical field but not from dental fillings.

Proponents for amalgam fillings speak for their safety and strength to endure chewing, but we argue that this substance is actually quite fragile. Amalgam fillings are often removed in adults who received restorations as children because amalgam expands and contracts at such a rate as to produce cracks in the teeth, further damaging them. Mercury-safe fillings, used in our Greenville practice, on the other hand, promote oral health and provide long-lasting restoration of function to the teeth.

Materials such as composites, ceramic, and porcelain are safer, and durable enough to withstand the pressures of chewing when used as fillings. By using such materials, there is less tooth structure removed, which promotes a stronger restoration.

To maintain your highest degree of health, restore teeth with mercury safe fillings from your Greenville holistic dentist. Contact us for your appointment today.

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