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The FDA has advised ‘vulnerable’ groups – pregnant and lactating women; women trying to conceive; fetuses, infants and younger kids; those with neurological or kidney issues; and those allergic to mercury – to avoid dental amalgam. We take this advice very seriously. That’s why we consider mercury-free smiles as a priority!

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FDA advises “vulnerable groups” to avoid dental amalgam

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has advised certain “vulnerable and high-risk groups” to avoid getting dental amalgam fillings if possible due to the potentially harmful effects the mercury in these fillings may pose to their health.

In a recent statement, the FDA has updated its recommendations on dental amalgam and potential risks to certain individuals that may be posed by these mercury-containing fillings that are used to restore the missing structure and surfaces of decayed teeth.

The groups that the FDA has listed as facing greater risks for potential harmful health effects include:

Pregnant women and their developing fetuses
Women who are planning to become pregnant
Nursing women and their newborns and infants
Children, especially those younger than six years of age
People with neurological conditions like Alzheimer’s disease, multiple sclerosis, or Parkinson’s disease
Those with impaired kidney functions
Those who are extremely sensitive or allergic to mercury or other components in dental amalgam.

Dental amalgam is a mixture of mercury and a powdered alloy comprising silver, tin and copper. The FDA has been reviewing and monitoring scientific publications and reports and conducting public discussions on the effects of dental amalgam and mercury vapor on patient health for over 20 years.

They now also recommend non-mercury alternatives like composite resins and glass ionomer cement fillings, especially for vulnerable populations. The FDA has made these recommendations after obtaining the views of healthcare professionals and public comments about dental amalgam and other metal implants and evaluating published literature.

If you are searching for natural, mercury-free dentistry in Yadkinville, North Carolina, make Virtue Dental Care your provider of choice!

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Jun

Why patients in Yadkinville NC feel conscious sedation helped them put their dental anxiety at rest

Conscious Sedation Dentistry in Yadkinville NC Area

it is understood that the dentist’s office isn’t necessarily anyone’s favorite place to be. At Virtue Dental, Dr. Mary Katherine Taylor and his team go above and beyond to make sure that our patients are comfortable and relaxed in our office. One of the ways they do this is by being helpful and communicating properly. You can always count on us to take the time to explain dental procedures and answer any questions you may have to make you feel at ease. Another they we do this is through the use of sedation dentistry. Sedation dentistry allows patients who are feeling anxiety to receive the dental care they need without worry of pain or fear.

Dental phobia or anxiety is very common and can vary greatly from individual to individual. Some patients just have mild anxiety that gives them apprehension about visiting the office. Others may have anxiety so debilitating that it causes them to put off visiting with the dentist and can put their oral health at risk.

When anxiety begins interfering with the patient’s ability to keep their teeth and gums healthy, sedation dentistry may be the best choice. It can also help with patients who have trouble sitting still for long periods of time, are facing multiple procedures, or have an overactive gag reflex.

One of the most common sedation methods we offer is oral conscious sedation. Enough medication is administered to allow you to relax and be pain-free but you are not “put under.” Patients with oral conscious sedation are still alert, but in a state of extreme relaxation, some patients may even fall asleep. You will still be able to respond to commands but will have little to no memory of the procedure.

While you are not completely under during oral conscious sedation, you will still feel groggy after the procedure. Patients who opt for this method of sedation will need to arrange for transportation to and from treatment.

If you or a loved one in the Yadkinville, NC area is suffering from dental anxiety, call Virtue Dental today to learn more about your options. Dr. Mary Katherine Taylor’s team will help you see why so many patients believe oral conscious sedation helped them take back control of their oral health.

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