I have heard a lot about the importance of mercury free dentistry. Here’s the thing. I have amalgam fillings. I’ve never had problems from them. But, now that I have a child, I wonder if their young bodies would be more affected by the mercury. I’d have to switch clinics to have a mercury free dentist. Both my son and I love our clinic. So, what I’m asking if it’s worth it to switch?
Marissa M. – New Jersey
Marissa,
It’s possible you wouldn’t have to find a new clinic in order to get mercury free fillings for your son. Ask your dentist if he does composite fillings, which don’t contain any mercury. He may do composite fillings, without being mercury-free.
There is a possibility you may run up against some resistance for doing them on children. It’s a difficult procedure and it’s sometimes hard for them to be still enough for the procedure. However, some dentists are quite skilled at keeping them distracted. And, there’s always sedation, which is safe and will allow the dentist to work more easily.
If your office doesn’t do composite fillings, don’t push them. It’s a different, and more advanced, procedure from amalgams and you don’t want the dentist to do something he’s not really qualified for. You could still go to your clinic for everything but fillings.
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