Metal-Free Fillings | Tooth Restorations

The amalgam-mercury dental fillings are contemporary restorations from the Civil War era. In recent years an on-going debate about the potential health risk these dental fillings may place on the body’s immune system has existed. In fact, even several European countries no longer allow these restorations to be used. Though our country has not yet taken this position, it is fascinating to observe the health regulatory authorities have designated the extra mercury scraps as a toxic waste, which must be isolated, packaged, and hauled away by a hazardous waste disposal service.

The question then must be asked, “Why are we using the mouth as another dump site?” Why is the mouth considered an appropriate, “safe” place to store such hazardous waste, especially if healthier, longer-lasting options are offered?

Believe it or not, the mercury concern may not be the only health risk! Mercury fillings actually weaken the tooth structure over time by wedging the tooth apart. Eventually, these wedging effects produce fractures, resulting in broken teeth and micro-leakage leading to bacterial invasion, a cause of recurrent decay and toothaches, which leads to root canals and possible tooth loss.

In the past, these risks were unfortunately the accepted norm for an aging mouth. Today’s dental options provide a happier and healthier solution for all!

With the current technology of dental adhesion, resins, lasers and state-of-art ceramics, these new space-age restorations are close to rivaling nature in strength, wear, function, and appearance. There are now sixteen-year studies showing that with accurately administered technique, these advanced restorations surpass traditional dentistry with a number of other incredible advantages.

With these new high-tech materials and biological “super glues,” it is possible to predictably bond teeth back together, virtually restoring them back to their original strength without the invasiveness of full-coverage crowns. In the majority of situations, crowns can be replaced with more conservative techniques. It is therefore possible to save the healthy, remaining tooth structure, instead of whittling teeth down, as a pencil would be ground away by a pencil sharpener.

By catching the potential fractures before experiencing symptoms of hot/cold sensitivity and biting pain, new conservative treatments are preventing the dreaded side-effects of toothaches and broken teeth. We are also able to diagnose these problems in their earlier stages with the assistance of fiber optics and camera magnification technologies. As you can now see, prevention is taking on new meaning, more than just for cavities and gum disease.