Mercury-Free Fillings – Franklin, TN
Beautiful & Biocompatible Cavity Repair
According to one estimate, around 90% of adults age 20 and older have developed at least one dental cavity in their lifetime. In the past, this common problem was treated with silver amalgam fillings, which were composed of up to 50% mercury, a material that is known to be toxic. Today, though, a better option is available. Here at Paige Prather Smiles, we proudly offer mercury-free fillings for beautiful and biocompatible cavity repair. Read on below to learn more about this restorative holistic treatment.
What Are Mercury-Free Fillings?
Mercury-free fillings are sometimes called composite resin fillings, composite fillings, or tooth-colored fillings. Rather than being made out of a mixture of mercury and other metals, these fillings are made out of mixture of biocompatible materials, such as tiny glass particles and silica. The material is the same that is commonly used for dental bonding, a procedure that can repair chipped teeth and hide other cosmetic imperfections.
The Benefits of Mercury-Free Fillings
Some of the most outstanding benefits of mercury-free fillings include:
- They are durable. With proper care, these fillings can last for several years.
- They are beautiful. Our team can shade-match your fillings so they blend in with the color of the surrounding enamel. Onlookers may never be able to tell that you had a bit of repair work done on your smile.
- They do not stain your teeth. Amalgam fillings can darken the surrounding enamel. Mercury-free fillings do not have this issue.
- They are better for your teeth. Composite fillings require less tooth preparation than their amalgam counterparts. In other words, they enable you to keep as much of your natural dentition as possible.
- They do not respond readily to temperature changes. Metal fillings can expand and contract in response to temperature changes, which can damage your teeth. They can also conduct temperatures and cause sensitivity. Metal-free fillings do not cause these problems.
How Mercury-Free Fillings Can Affect Your Overall Well-Being
For health-conscious individuals, the biggest draw of mercury-free fillings is that they are much better for overall wellness than their old-fashioned metal counterparts.
Mercury is a highly toxic material, and people who have multiple amalgam fillings are more likely to experience a range of neurological symptoms, including headaches, migraines, tremors, shakiness, behavioral disorders, and more.
Composite fillings, on the other hand, are widely regarded as being biocompatible (safe and effective for use within the human body).
The Process of Getting Mercury-Free Fillings
If you have old mercury fillings, Dr. Prather can safely remove them before replacing them with a metal-free restoration. If you have a new cavity that requires a filling, the treatment process will go something like this:
- We usually numb the area of the mouth where we will be working.
- We use special instruments to remove decayed tissue from within the cavity.
- We insert the filling material and cure it with a special light.
- We shape and polish the filling so it looks and feels as good as possible.
From beginning to end, the entire process usually takes less than one hour.