Austin Dentistry provides mercury-safe dentistry in Austin, Texas, including a service to remove mercury fillings that come from the use of amalgam. If you have any questions for our dentist about mercury-safe dentistry or the mercury filling removal service we offer, please do not hesitate to give us a call at 512-600-3535.
Dental Amalgam
The main component of dental amalgam is mercury, which is released from the filling into the body continuously. In fact, mercury in dental fillings is a main source of environmental mercury exposure in humans. Unfortunately, many dental organizations (including the American Dental Association®) continue to support their use despite the well-documented evidence of their risks. Our doctors firmly believe that dental amalgam has no place in the human body and supports their safe removal and replacement with more biocompatible materials.
Mercury-Safe
Be careful! Since mercury is released from dental amalgam fillings during their removal, great care must be taken to ensure it is done as safely as possible. Ask your dentist what precautions are taken to protect you during the removal of these fillings. Austin Dentistry follows the protocol for safe removal of dental amalgam recommended by the International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology.
Other Dental Metals
Metal alloys are a main component in many dental crowns, the content of which can vary widely in both type and purity. Hypersensitivity reactions to the metal in dental crowns are very common and may result in soft tissue lesions and receding gums.
Replacement Options
Dental amalgam is usually replaced with bio-ceramics or composite resins. Bio-ceramics are not only beautiful, lifelike and very strong, they are inherently very biocompatible. To maximize soft tissue health and minimize allergenic potential, ceramics are the material of choice for many restorations including dental crowns. While many dental composites contain BPA, which is harmful to humans, Austin Dentistry proudly uses only BPA-free resins, sealants and cements.
