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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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The importance of safe dental fillings near Charlotte, NC

Patients often have a feeling of dread when they learn they have a cavity. Not only do they have concern about the cost, or the upcoming procedure, many patients worry about the type of materials that will be used. Dr. Mary Katherine Taylor of Virtue Dental Care helps his Charlotte, NC-area patients understand how cavity restoration procedures are performed and carefully explains their options for safe dental fillings.

Cavity restoration is a simple and effective dental procedure

In the field of dentistry, filling a cavity is one of the most common dental procedures. To restore the tooth, the dentist will start by administering local anesthesia. Once the tooth and gums are numb, the decayed area of the tooth will be removed. The missing part of the tooth is filled, and the dentist reshapes the tooth to ensure proper bite and appearance. Patients can resume normal activities as soon as the anesthesia wears off.

Choosing mercury-free dental fillings

Many adults with filled cavities likely have silver or metal fillings in their mouth. These fillings, which were widely used for many years, are made of metal that includes nearly 50 percent mercury. The fillings were used because they were thought to be durable, safe, and less expensive. However, in recent years, concern over the potential toxicity of mercury has been raised as studies link mercury to several diseases including Alzheimer’s, chronic fatigue, heart disease, and tremors. Now, many dentists are using mercury-free composite fillings instead of the traditional metal fillings.

In addition to being made of completely safe materials, these metal-free fillings give patients a happier smile because the fillings have a natural tooth-colored appearance. With the composite material, most people can’t tell where the tooth stops, and the filling starts. Additionally, the mercury-free fillings are durable and less likely to crack or pull away from the teeth.

CALL OUR OFFICE FOR MORE INFORMATION

Virtue Dental Care Patients: (336) 679-2034 | New Patients: (336) 606-0040

Finding a dentist you can trust

If you want mercury-free restorations instead of traditional metal fillings, consider the following:

Find a dentist who will care for you as a person. While mercury-free fillings are gaining popularity, it helps to find a dentist who truly believes in the health benefits it offers. Dr. Mary Katherine Taylor believes that the health of your mouth affects the health of your body, and that the reverse is true. With a focus on your overall health and wellbeing patients can trust that the Virtue Dental Care team will only treat you with necessary and safe procedures.
Find a dentist who knows how to remove mercury fillings. Most dentists don’t recommend taking silver fillings out unless they are cracked or beginning to chip. However, if you do need to have one removed, you should feel confident that the dentist is experienced and trained on the proper way to handle the material. Dr. Mary Katherine Taylor follows established protocol, ensuring that the mercury material does not cause harm to the patient, the staff, or himself. Then the material is disposed of properly, keeping the environment safe as well.

If you’re considering mercury safe fillings, call Virtue Dental Care at today to learn more.

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