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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!

15

Feb

Stop fearing trips to the dentist with sedation dental care in Yadkinville, NC

Dentist using Sedation dentistry for a lady patient

Fear of the dentist is so common that it has its own name – dentophobia. You may have had a bad experience at a dentist in the past or fear that it will be uncomfortable or painful. Or you may simply dislike the sounds and smells of the dentist’s office or have a strong gag reflex. It is important for your oral health and overall wellness that you see your dentist regularly, but it doesn’t have to cause you anxiety or panic. Dr. Mary Katherine Taylor at Virtue Dental Care in Yadkinville, NC is experienced with sedation dental care to provide you with the best possible dental experience. With sedation dentistry, your dentist can clean or treat your teeth while you are awake, but you will have a calm and relaxed feeling throughout the whole process.

Benefits of sedation dentistry

For those who need it, sedation dentistry can dramatically improve the experience of going to the dentist so you can get the treatment you need. With sedation dental care, you can:

Minimize your fear and anxiety
Ignore the sounds, smells, and sights of the dentist’s office
Reduce your discomfort due to sensitive or painful teeth
Stop your overactive gag reflex
Get the care you need and halt any tooth decay or gum disease before it progresses further

How sedation dental care works

Sedation dentistry involves using medications to help you relax while you are undergoing your dental procedure. You are typically awake while the dentist or hygienist is working on your teeth, but you will feel relaxed and will not experience the usual fear or anxiety you have at the dentist. With conscious sedation, you can answer questions that the dentist or dental hygienist asks you, but you will feel calm while your treatment is provided.

A few different types of sedation can be used, depending on the treatment and your individual needs. Your dentist will consult with you to determine the right fit for you.

Nitrous oxide: This is typically used if you have a mild fear of the dentist or a strong gag reflex. It may also be used if it will take an extended amount of time to treat your mouth. To give you nitrous oxide, the dentist will place a mask over your nose to deliver the gas, and you will immediately feel more relaxed. A lot of patients have said that nitrous oxide feels like they have had a few glasses of wine.

Prescribed medication: With this type of sedation, the dentist will prescribe medication in advance that you fill at your pharmacy and then take approximately one hour before your appointment. You must have someone drive you to the appointment, and then you will arrive at the dentist’s office conscious but comfortable. After your visit, you will need someone to drive you home and you can rest as long as needed. You will likely have no memory of the dental appointment when you wake up. This type of sedation is stronger than nitrous oxide and can be a good fit for people who have a strong fear of the dentist or who will be undergoing long appointments such as complex or multiple treatments.

Conscious dental sedation is considered to be safe and has minimal side effects, with the most common one being a temporary decrease in your coordination. Some patients feel nauseous or dizzy when they are administered nitrous oxide. The cost of sedation varies, depending on the type you need, but nitrous oxide is typically the most affordable. The dentist can discuss the cost of the sedation with you.

CALL OUR OFFICE FOR MORE INFORMATION

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

Get the dental care you need without the anxiety

Dr. Mary Katherine Taylor in Yadkinville, NC has used sedation dentistry for many years to ensure that his patients are at ease and have a positive dental experience. Your safety and comfort are of utmost importance.

Many patients needlessly suffer from painful teeth or gums or delay restoring missing, chipped, or cracked teeth. In fact, approximately 30 to 40 million Americans put off going to the dentist because of dental phobia. Get the dental care that you may have been putting off due to fear and anxiety and change your life today! Call Virtue Dental Care at to learn about your options and schedule your worry-free appointment.

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