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Archives for April 2014

Mercury free options for children

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I don’t want any mercury in my child’s body. I know the traditional type of filling has mercury in it. I know there are other options, but my dentist says they aren’t as strong. i think I’d rather have a weaker filling than a toxic one.

Linda K. – Minnesotta

Linda,

You bring up some good points. It would be better to have a weaker filling than a toxic one. Fortunately, you don’t have to make that choice.  Your dentist is mistaken.

Composite fillings, often called white fillings, are actually stronger than amalgam (silver) fillings, so his reasoning is false. I’m guessing he is not familiar with how to place composite fillings so he is making excuses.

My suggestion is you find a pediatric dentist who is also a mercury free dentist or at least understands your desire to put no mercury in your child’s mouth.

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

I swallowed my crown

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I was eating a meal when my back tooth started hurting.  I realized that my crown had fallen out, but I am afraid I must have swallowed it without realizing it. Is this dangerous?

Lisa R. –  Brooklyn

Lisa,

Let me assure you, that you are in no danger.  Therefore, you will not need an emergency dentist. The crown will pass along with everything else you’d eaten that night.

Your tooth was shaved down to make room for the crown, so now it is probably pretty sensitive. If it isn’t yet, it will be.  You can take over the counter pain relievers.

If you are in serious pain or if there is swelling, then you can call your dentist and tell him you have an emergency.

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