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Archives for December 2013

Problems with mercury free fillings

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I have been trying to do things healthier in every area of my life (and it isn’t even New Years yet!), including my dental work. For me, that meant no longer getting fillings that have mercury in them.  One of my friends told me that silver fillings have some mercury in them. That certainly isn’t placing healthy things in your body. However, when I asked my dentist about getting fillings without the mercury, he told me that it has a high probability of infection from saliva. Is there any way to get fillings that do not contain mercury in them?

Thank you for the information, Stanley S.- Sande, UT

Stanley,

You can definitely get dental fillings that do not contain mercury. However, I would not push or pressure into a procedure that he is obviously uncomfortable with. There are special techniques that are necessary to place white (composite) fillings, which are mercury free. If they are bonded correctly, you will have no problems with them. In fact, they are better for your teeth than silver fillings.

A friend told you that silver fillings contain mercury. That is true. In fact, they are about 50% mercury. White fillings are mercury-free so you would have no health worries with them.  What you have learned is you may have dentist problems. It’s not until recently that placing composite fillings was taught in the general requirements of dental schools. Most dentists had to learn it by taking post-graduate courses.  Without that training, they are likely to make mistakes during the bonding process. That is when you have to worry about contamination from saliva.

This blog is brought to you by Auburn, AL Dentist Dr. Raymond Bolt.

Are bridges a thing of the past?

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I have a dental bridge. Recently my grandson needed a tooth replaced. He told me bridges were a thing of the past and dental implants are now the standard treatment.  Is that accurate or is his dentist just talking him into a more expensive treatment?

Bruce L. – Wisconsin

Bruce,

You are not the first person to ask that question. In 2009, a health columnist for the New York Times asked the same question. It resulted in the article, A Dental Shift: Implants Instead of Bridges.

It is true that dental implants are the ideal treatment. It makes it easier to do your oral hygiene, which reduces the risk of periodontal disease.  However, as a dentist, I will tell you that doesn’t mean that bridges are no longer a valid treatment.

There are times that you might want a bridge, instead of an implant, especially if the adjacent teeth need work as well. If his adjacent teeth don’t need any work, I wouldn’t worry too much about it. His dentist is just recommending the ideal treatment. If your grandson can afford it, in the long run it will be the best thing for his teeth and gums.

This blog is brought to you by Auburn, AL Affordable Dentist Dr. Raymond Bolt.