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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!

Technology

At our practice, we focus on providing the newest in dental technologies. We built a brand new practice in 1979 to meet the needs of our patients and to incorporate these new and state-of-the-art devices to improve diagnostics, treatments, and patient care.

CEREC

At Virtue Dental Care, we are able to offer our patients same day restorations thanks to our CEREC technology. The CEREC device allows Dr. William Virtue, DDS, AGD, FIAOMT, DNM to digitally create restorations such as crowns, and veneers, which are used to restore and rejuvenate patient smiles. Other dental practices require the dentist to send these molds to an outside laboratory for the creation of the patient’s restoration, which can take weeks to complete. Instead, patients can come to Virtue Dental Care and enjoy same day restorations thanks to the technologically advanced machines available in our practice.

Intraoral Cameras

Sometimes it is easier to help patients understand their dental care by showing them. Intraoral Cameras are installed in our practice and can be used to show patients what needs to be done to their smiles so they can better understand the need for treatment.

Digital X-Ray Technology

At Virtue Dental Care in Yadkinville, NC, we have added digital x-ray technology for better diagnostics and more accurate preparation of patient treatment. By using digital x-ray technology, we provide a variety of advantages to both dentist and patient. Dr. William Virtue, DDS, AGD, FIAOMT, DNM has switched to digital x-ray technology for the following benefits: Does not release toxic chemicals into the environment.

No time-consuming processing, allowing for faster treatment.
Images are immediately displayed on a computer monitor for visual explanation of treatment options, allowing patients to be involved with co-diagnosis.
Reduces patient exposure to high levels of radiation versus traditional x-rays - up to 45% less.
Provides safer diagnostic methods than film x-rays.
Thin plates are more comfortable for patients with less chance of a gag reflex.
Enhances patient care and education.
Better diagnosis. Images can be e-mailed to a specialist almost instantly.
Images are stored on a hard drive for easy comparisons.
Patient has a much better understanding of treatment.
Higher resolution with more images for a superior diagnostic treatment
Increases understanding for a better patient/doctor relationship.

X-rays are essential in patient treatment and diagnostics. They allow dentists to see the patient’s bone structure, tooth placement, and anything that may affect their procedures. It offers an "inside look" at what is going on in areas that are otherwise not visible or apparent during a physical examination. They are conducted during new patient examinations, before surgical procedures, and to diagnose problems that are happening under the gum tissue. They are used before root canal procedures, dental implants, and orthodontic treatments.

Dr. William Virtue, DDS, AGD, FIAOMT, DNM, of Virtue Dental Care, is proud to offer digital x-ray technologies for his patients and provide a safer alternative to conventional film x-rays. This is just one of the many state-of-the-art devices used in our practice, and provides higher quality care for our patients who expect the best!

If you are in the Yadkinville, NC area and are looking for a technologically advanced dental facility that provides comprehensive care for new and existing patients, it is time you considered the team at Virtue Dental Care.

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

Jen

Dr. Virtue and all his staff are wonderful! I have always gotten great care and have always be treated kindly by everyone there!! I highly recommend Dr. Virtue to anyone who has ever had a bad experience or who has a fear of dentist because he will wipe all of that away with one visit!! I know because I used to be someone who was afraid to go to a dentist due to bad experiences until Dr.Virtue!! Dr. Virtue and his staff make you feel at home and when you walk into his office it feels like you're going to visit good friends instead of going to see the dentist!!! They never make you feel like you are a bad person if you can't get dental care on time and work with you to make sure that you can get the care you need as soon as possible!! Can't say enough great things about them!! Thanks Dr. Virtue and staff for all the wonderful care you have given me over the years!!

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