In our Santa Monica dental office our team is committed to providing our patients with the highest quality dental care available, because we know that the materials that we use matter aesthetically and functionally.
Today we are going to be answering patient questions about one health-centered aspect of our office: the fact that we are completely mercury-free! Keep reading to learn more…
Q: What does it mean to be mercury-free as a dental practice?
A: Some people are surprised to learn that, historically, mercury has been a common ingredient in dental restorations and fillings. Amalgam fillings, for example, are made up of a combination of metals including mercury, silver, tin, and copper. Because our office is mercury-free, we use alternatives to amalgam, such as composite resin fillings and porcelain restorations.
Q: How do I know if I have mercury in my smile right now?
A: if you have received an amalgam filling, then this filling likely contains mercury. Amalgam fillings are easy to spot because they look predictably metallic and grey on the tooth. The good news is that existing amalgam restorations can now be replaced with more natural looking materials.
Q: What are some alternatives to mercury dentistry?
A: Our dental team restores teeth with mercury-free materials that are designed to last for the long haul. Composite resin, for example, is great for fillings because it can be custom shaded and shaped to meet the patient’s needs. Porcelain restorations are likewise exceptionally natural looking and customizable.
When you come to our Santa Monica dentists for restorative dental treatment, our team will review all of your restorative options with you, so that, together, we can choose the perfect solution for your smile. Please feel free to contact our dental team for more information and to schedule a personal consultation with our team!