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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!

Sedation Dentistry

Dr. William E. Virtue DDS, NMD, at Virtue Dental Care biological dentistry

If you or someone you know, finds going to the dentist one of the last things they would think to do, then they could be a good candidate for a very easy and successful technique. We are talking about conscious sedation.

The idea of going to the dentist is enough to keep most patients from visiting. However, with oral conscious sedation, patients can obtain cosmetic and general dentistry services without feeling frightened or nervous.

Oral conscious sedation utilizes medication that is prescribed to patients to relax and calm them. It is given to them before their appointments and should be taken approximately one hour beforehand. Then, the patient arranges for transportation to their appointment, and will arrive conscious but very comfortable and calm. Patients will be awake during their dental appointment, and will be able to answer Dr. William Virtue, DDS, AGD, FIAOMT, DNM and the dental hygienist when questions are asked.

After an appointment with oral conscious sedation, patients are transported home to rest. When they wake up, they are likely to have no recollection of their appointment whatsoever. This makes sedation dentistry a wonderful way for patients who have dental anxieties to get the dental treatments they need.

Patients who have mild fears of the dentist may benefit from traditional nitrous oxide. This is administered to patients via the nose as a gas, which brings about immediate relaxation. Those who have nitrous oxide sedation often relate the experience to feeling as though they have had a couple of glasses of wine. Nitrous oxide is also used for patients who have strong gag reflexes or need extended treatment time.

Dr. William Virtue, DDS, AGD, FIAOMT, DNM has performed this technique for years and it has literally changed the lives of many of his patients. To get more information about conscious sedation dentistry and learn how it can help you or a loved one get the crucial dental care you need without all the fear and anxiety, call our office at (336) 606-0040 today.

Contact Us (336) 606-0040

Tricia S.

Virtue Dental does a great job for everyone in the family. Even one child who felt anxious about dental visits was comfortable here. Excellent care and very kind!

Originally Posted On

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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.