Repeat studies show that mercury vapors can, and do, escape from metal fillings. These vapors can travel to other parts of the body, including heart, lungs, kidneys, liver, intestines, pancreas and ovaries. Effects of mercury poisoning can take above 20 years to manifest and often onset slowly. However, chronic mercury toxicity has been linked to neurological impairment, decreased fertility, depression, dizziness, gastrointestinal problems, migraines, irregular heartbeat, memory loss, numbness, oral ulcers and more.
In Dental Betel we use alternatives such as composite fillings and all ceramic crowns, which do not contain any mercury.
A tooth-colored restorative material composed of plastic with small glass or ceramic particles that are mixed into a gel-like substance. After being applied to a tooth, the material is then hardened with a curing light. This type of fillings are often preferred by patients over silver amalgam fillings as they restore the natural appearance of the tooth.
Since composite filling bonds to the tooth, they restore most of the original strength of the tooth where silver weakens the teeth making them more susceptible to breaking.
If you have been told by your dentist you need to have an old filling or crown replaced, you maybe wondering why this is necessary. Often, patients are unaware that replacement of an outdated restoration is necessary, especially when they have not experienced any pain or problems. In fact, most dental problems may not be evident to patients. Sometimes, however, patients believe the old adage, “if it doesn’t hurt, don’t fix it”. If left untreated, however, dental problems can lead to more expensive dental procedures and eventual tooth loss.
Only your dentist can detect whether you have a cavity that needs to be filled. During a checkup, your dentist will use a small mirror to examine the surfaces of each tooth.
Anything that looks abnormal will then be closely checked with special instruments. Your dentist may also X-ray your entire mouth or a section of it. The type of treatment your dentist chooses will depend on the extent of damage caused by decay.
● Local anesthesia – at the beginning of your filling procedure, you may be given local anesthesia to numb the area around the tooth.
● Tooth decay removal – then the dentist will cut through the enamel using a drill to remove any decay. After the dentist removes the decay, the dentist will shape the space to make it ready for the filling.
● Etching – for a bonded filling your dentist will etch the tooth with an acid gel before placing the filling.
● Resin application – for certain types of fillings the dentist will layer on the resin and harden it using a bright light. This makes it strong.
● Polishing – after the filling has been placed, your dentist will polish the tooth.
