When you think of general dentistry, filling cavities probably comes to mind. If you have tooth decay, your dentist will remove it and fill up the space with strong material to protect the tooth from further damage. Today, many dentists and patients prefer colored fillings made of composite resin or porcelain. If you have a silver or mercury amalgam filling, you should consider removing it.
For many years, silver and mercury amalgam fillings were the standard in general dentistry to repair cavities. More recently, however, dentists and researchers have discovered possible health risks with these materials. Contact with mercury, in particular, may contribute to memory loss, mood disorders, headaches and muscle weakness. Some fillings consist of 50% mercury in addition to other metals. For peace of mind, many patients prefer to remove old amalgam fillings. Also, these fillings stand out, so some patients would rather have tooth-colored fillings that other people would not notice.
When people decide it is time to get rid of old metal fillings, they will meet with the dentist to discuss the next steps. Because of the health risks that mercury poses, the dentist and staff will wear protective gear during the filling removal process. This gear includes a mask, gown and gloves. The patient also wears protection. It is important that the person in the chair has eye protection, facial protection and a full-body gown. The dentist will also place a rubber dam in the patient’s mouth, over the teeth.
It is important that any general dentistry practice has the right equipment and materials to properly remove the amalgam. In addition to taking precautions with gear, the staff should have ventilation and filtration. There should also be a way to collect the mercury waste. The dentist uses extreme care and caution to remove the amalgam. Using dental tools, the dentist will then pull out the filling.
With the old filling gone, it is important for the general dentistry staff to restore the tooth and put in new fillings. The dentist will likely use a ceramic filling to blend in with the tooth’s color. After finishing the new filling, the dentist will ask the patient to bite down to see if any adjustments need to be made. Some dentists may prefer to put a crown over the tooth if the damage is more significant. The patient should be able to eat normally within a few hours.
There is legitimate concern over having metal fillings in your mouth. If you would like to feel at ease knowing you do not have mercury exposure, visit your dentist today. Part of general dentistry includes dealing with restorative care. Your dentist should be able to take out these older fillings and replace them with tooth-colored ceramic or porcelain options. Rest assured that when you undergo this work that the dentist will take every precaution necessary to protect you from harm and ill effects. Make an appointment today to take out amalgam fillings.
Request an appointment here: https://dragonflydentalportcharlotte.com or call Dragonfly Dental of Port Charlotte at (941) 676-9225 for an appointment in our Port Charlotte office.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Google: Read our Google reviews.
Cosmetic dental services provide a range of solutions designed to enhance the appearance of your smile, improving its function and aesthetics. Whether addressing discolored teeth, misalignments, or chipped enamel, cosmetic dentistry has evolved to provide personalized treatments that address individual needs. With numerous options available, it is essential to identify which services align with your…
Many people still have mistaken beliefs about general dentistry. As is often the case with misinformation, it can be very persistent. Myths are often more well-known than facts.One way to find out the truth behind the myths is to visit a dental office frequently and ask questions of the dentist and hygienists. You can trust…
A dentist can help relieve the pain caused by headaches.A headache or migraine can be a very crippling illness. They can last for days and come back for no specific reason, monthly or weekly. If you do not seek treatment, they will get worse and, over time, become unmanageable.Believe it or not, seeing your dentist…
Dentistry encompasses different services and treatments. A dentist performs preventative care, exams, and various treatments like fillings, root canals, tooth extractions, crowns, and more. Dentistry also includes preventive maintenance, like brushing habits and toothpaste.When it comes to oral health, every person has different needs. While some patients may require toothpaste that can slow the decay…