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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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Lewisville area dentist offers safe mercury removal and explains why mercury is used in amalgam

Visiting a professional who offers general dentistry in the Lewisville, NC area is simple. There are several dentists in the community who are working to improve and maintain the oral health of their patients. But finding a dentist who also provides mercury safe treatment is not nearly as easy. Dr. Mary Katherine Taylor of Virtue Dental Care is proud to offer mercury safe dentistry, which includes the removal and replacement of unwanted silver amalgam fillings.

Silver amalgam fillings explained

Over time, many dentists have used silver amalgam materials to address areas of tooth decay. Dr. Mary Katherine Taylor has found that these materials are not biocompatible with the body.

Why is mercury used in amalgam fillings?

Images of Mercury Removal at Lewisville Silver amalgam fillings are made of approximately 50 percent mercury because it helps in making the material for the filling bind together. This ensures that the fillings can be pressed into the tooth and hardened quickly, while staying strong and durable against natural chewing and biting forces.

Why visit a mercury safe dentist?

A mercury safe dentist such as Dr. Mary Katherine Taylor:

Avoids placing silver amalgam fillings
Eliminates the use of non-biocompatible restorations, including metals
Can safely remove and replace silver amalgam fillings with composite resin materials

Silver amalgam fillings must be removed in an appropriate manner to reduce the chances of releasing toxic vapor into the air that can harm the patient, dentist, and staff. To be a mercury safe practice, the dentist must follow the strict protocols of the IAOMT, or the International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology. These protocols include specific safety measures to be put in place, which includes the use of certain filtration systems in the office and wearing special masks and clothing to protect against mercury toxins.

CALL OUR OFFICE FOR MORE INFORMATION

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

The process of mercury filling removal

Image of Mercury Removal First, patients visit Virtue Dental Care to discuss with a general dentist the desire to remove and replace silver amalgam fillings. Then, once patients have been fully examined and assessed, an appointment is made for the procedure. Patients arrive at the dental office and the appropriate sedation and anesthetics are used. The dentist follows the protocols of the IAOMT and prepares the patient and staff accordingly. The mercury fillings are carefully removed, the areas of decay are cleaned and prepared, and a material called composite resin is used in place of the old mercury filling. Composite resin is hardened with a special light and polished to shine just like natural tooth enamel. Once this has been completed, patients will be able to enjoy seamless integration of the filling into the appearance of their teeth. Composite resin bonding matches the color of the natural tooth enamel. In cases in which patients have extremely large fillings that affect the structure and overall functionality of the teeth, the fabrication and placement of a dental crown may be discussed with the individual. While this may include an extra cost, it greatly reduces the chance of the natural tooth breaking in the future.

Who is a candidate for composite resin fillings?

Everyone who has a cavity and wants to have their silver amalgam fillings removed is the perfect candidate for the use of composite resin replacements. Our team of professionals encourage patients to book a consultation appointment and initial evaluation to determine the benefits of replacing these fillings and moving forward with the use of biocompatible materials available with a general, cosmetic, and restorative dentist.

Are you ready to work with a mercury safe dentist?

Contact Dr. Mary Katherine Taylor and the dedicated team at Virtue Dental Care today in the Lewisville area by calling (336) 606-0040 and speaking with our front office team to make an appointment. We are conveniently located at 301 East Lee Avenue in Yadkinville, NC, and welcome new patients into our facility for quality care.

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