Metal fillings are made up of an amalgam of materials including mercury. Mercury is a known toxin, however, so it’s understandable if you want to avoid dental materials that contain this element.
Mercury-based fillings are still considered safe by the American Dental Association (ADA). Even so, Dr. Tostado is a mercury-free dentist who chooses to place only modern tooth-colored composite fillings. He hasn’t used any amalgam for years.
Benefits of Composite Fillings
- Composite fillings don’t contain any mercury.
- Since they can be colored to match your natural tooth structure, composite restorations won’t show when you smile.
- Composite filling material is bonded to your tooth for a stronger and tighter seal than that made with metal fillings.
- Unlike metal restorations, when placed correctly composite ones won’t cause sensitivity.
- Composite restorations are more conservative by nature so they leave more of your natural tooth structure intact than metal fillings do.
Composite Fillings by a Mercury-Free Dentist
Dr. Tostado will first check your teeth for decay as part of a comprehensive dental exam. If you need any fillings, then he’ll create a treatment plan with you and let you know what to expect.
Here’s how Dr. Tostado will place mercury-free fillings:
First, Dr. Tostado will administer a numbing injection to ensure you’re comfortable and then he will drill away the decayed portion of your tooth.
After your tooth is clean of the cavity, Dr. Tostado will start placing the composite resin material. He may also need to add another protective layer inside the tooth if the filling is deep. This layer is also mercury-free.
Next, Dr. Tostado will shape the filling so that it blends seamlessly with the topography of your tooth and harmonizes with your bite.
After that, Dr. Tostado will set your filling with a curing light. He’ll check it to make sure it doesn’t interfere with your bite and make any minor adjustments that are needed.
Getting a composite filling takes only one dental visit unless you need to have multiple restorations done.
Cosmetic dentist Dr. Tostado places mercury-free fillings that blend in seamlessly with the teeth, as shown here.
Mercury-Free CEREC Dentistry
Thanks to CEREC dental technology, Dr. Tostado also offers indirect fillings, also known as partial crowns or onlays and inlays. These restorations are ideal for teeth that have large areas of decay or fracture and they are made of mercury-free milled ceramic. The CEREC system and equipment allow Dr. Tostado to design and place these fillings all within a single dental appointment.
With such advanced tools and materials as CEREC and dental composite resin, Dr. Tostado doesn’t have to place mercury fillings.
If you think you might have a cavity and want to see a mercury-free dentist, give our office a call or fill out the Request an Appointment form.