Why Mercury Fillings Are No Longer Used

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Mercury fillings, also known as dental amalgams, have been used for over a century to restore decayed teeth. However, their usage has significantly declined in recent years due to various concerns and advancements in dental materials. Here’s an explanation of why mercury fillings are no longer widely used:

Health Concerns

Mercury is a known toxin, and while the amount released by amalgam fillings is small, there has been ongoing concern about its potential health effects. The mercury in fillings can vaporize and be inhaled, leading to concerns about cumulative exposure over time, especially in vulnerable populations like pregnant women, children, and people with certain health conditions. Consult with yourGrand Junction, CO, dentist to learn more about the potential health impacts of mercury fillings.

Environmental Impact

Dental amalgams contribute to environmental mercury contamination. Mercury can be released into the environment during the preparation of amalgam, its removal, and disposal. This environmental aspect has led to regulatory efforts to reduce the use of mercury in dentistry.

Advancements in Dental Materials

Modern dentistry has seen significant advancements in filling materials. Composite resins, for instance, have become popular due to their ability to match the color of natural teeth and their improved strength and durability. These materials provide an aesthetically pleasing and safer alternative to amalgam fillings.

Public Perception and Demand

There’s a growing preference for more natural-looking dental treatments. Patients often choose fillings that blend with the color of their teeth, which mercury fillings cannot provide. The demand for aesthetically pleasing dental work has driven the shift towards composite resins and other alternatives.

When you needfillings in Grand Junction, CO, your dentist will be able to offer you a choice of which filling you would prefer, including ones that blend in with the color of your natural teeth. Contact us today to book your appointment.

Dental Fillings 101: Questions from Curious Patients

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When it comes to tooth restoration, dental fillings in Grand Junction, CO are the most common treatment. While almost every individual will need a filling at some point in life, if you have never had a filling, you are bound to have a few questions. Take a look at a few things you may want to know before getting a filling at the dentist.

How do dental fillings stay in place?

Dental fillings contain a material that bonds directly to the natural material of the tooth. Once the filling has cured, which can take only a few minutes, the bonding agent cements the filling in place, so it does not move or shift. While fillings can fall out, this rarely happens unless the material has been in place for several years or there are further issues with decay.

How long should a dental filling last?

Dental fillings can last anywhere from 5 to 15 years. Therefore, this simple procedure is one of the best for protecting a tooth in the long term. While fillings may have to be replaced eventually, while the filling is in place, it protects the point of decay from further deterioration.

Can a cavity be too large for a dental filling?

A cavity can be too large to be suitably fixed with a filling alone. For example, if you have a broad and deep point of decay on one of your teeth, a filling alone may not be enough to fully stabilize the tooth. In these cases, the dentist typically recommends the tooth be covered with a dental crown. Dental crowns offer greater tooth coverage and can be just as long-lasting as a filling.

Discuss Cavity Treatments with a Good Dentist in Grand Junction, CO

A cavity should never go unattended, so talking to a Grand Junction dentist as soon as possible is crucial. Reach out to the team at Western Slope Dental Center to schedule an appointment.