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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!

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!

Dental Implants

The smile needs to be fully functional in order for patients to smile with confidence, speak properly, and enjoy their favorite foods. When patients are faced with tooth loss or extraction, they need to speak to a dental professional about ways of rejuvenating and restoring the smile so that it can provide proper benefits. While dental bridges and dentures are ways to repair the smile, they may not be for everyone. Patients who would rather have a permanent replacement and who have a healthy smile may be better candidates for dental implants.

Dental implants can restore the area where teeth are missing. Dr. William Virtue of Virtue Dental Care places the implant, which acts as a tooth root and it can be restored with a dental crown. This acts as a replacement tooth that restores efficiency in an attractive and permanent manner.

Dental implants are not removable like dentures are, and they provide a stunning replacement for natural teeth. Dental implants are known for lasting many years, even a lifetime, when patients routinely visit their dentist for examinations and cleanings. Dr. William Virtue is a general dentist in the Yadkinville area who can ensure patients’ new restorations last as long as possible.

Patients who are appropriate candidates for this procedure are those with enough bone structure to hold the implant in place. Patients must also be free from tooth decay and periodontal disease to ensure the success of the treatment. The process can take several weeks, as the implants must be held in place with bone that grows around it and fuses to it during the process of osseointegration. This is important for the strength and stability needed for the implant to function properly as a natural tooth replacement.

If you live in or around the Yadkinville community and are curious about dental implants and other tooth restoration solutions, now is the time to book an appointment at Virtue Dental Care. We recommend patients speak with a caring, professional to determine what solutions are best for their specific needs and desires.

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

Jessica W.

Dr. Virtue is amazing. I came in for a root canal and experienced no pain what so ever. It was a breeze. So happy to have found this awesome office. Everyone here is super friendly.

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Virtue Dental Care is committed to ensuring that Yadkinville, NC patients have healthy teeth and healthy bodies. We follow biological dentistry principles, offering general, cosmetic, and mercury-free dentistry. The latest techniques and technologies, personalized care, and a comfortable and environmentally responsible practice are our hallmarks.

Our office was established in 1979 by Dr. William Virtue, DDS, AGD, FIAOMT, DNM, who was trained in dentistry at Indiana University. His achievements include Past President of the IAOMT and Forum for Contemporary Dental Esthetics. Dr. Mary Katherine Taylor, DDS, ADA, NCDS, AIAOMT graduated from Wake Forest University and earned her dental degree from UNC-Chapel Hill School of Dentistry. Both of our doctors go above and beyond in continuing education to provide top service to our patients.