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Melbourne area residents have alternatives to amalgam fillings

Posted By: | Published On: | Mercury Safe Dentistry

If you have old dental fillings, there is a very good chance they are made of amalgam. Many patients say they have received “silver” fillings without ever being informed about what those fillings actually contain. In case you aren’t familiar with this fact, silver fillings are actually amalgam. It is not silver at all, but a mixture of metals (an alloy) which is composed of about half mercury.

alternatives to amalgam fillings from from dentist in Moonee Ponds

Although the dental industry has continued to promote amalgam as a safe and economical dental material, a number of independent studies disagree. Many patients disagree, and the holistic dental community disagrees. The truth is that many people are not happy with the idea of mercury in their mouths, no matter what form it comes in. As holistic dental practitioners, we understand your concerns, and we want to assure you that we do not use any product or material that contains mercury.

A healthy, beautiful alternative

If you don’t want amalgam, what alternatives do you have? A decade ago, there wasn’t a good answer to this question. Composite restorations were easily broken, and other options included metal. As a result of extensive research and clinical testing, we now have durable, biocompatible, and stunningly beautiful metal-free materials. These include:

  • Porcelain – Modern dental porcelains are strong and long-lasting. Additionally, special additives and procedures are used to replicate the colour, transparency, and luminescence of your natural teeth, for a natural looking solution. Porcelain may be used for crowns, bridges, inlays and onlays.
  • Zirconia – Although this is actually a type of porcelain, it is in a class of its own. Like other porcelains, it is naturally similar in colour to the teeth, and it can be easily altered to match. It is also exceptionally strong. In fact, it has been used as a replacement for metal not only in medical applications, but also in industrial uses such as manufacturing of aeroplane parts. Dentistry has come a long way and now we are able to offer biocompatible zirconia implants.
  • Resin – This is the premier solution for the repair of cavities, small chips, and similar dental concerns. The restoration can be completed in a single visit and the result is durable and natural looking. Resin material is coloured to match your natural enamel, and applied directly to the tooth surface. It is then shaped, hardened, and polished.

If you are looking for healthy, natural, and beautiful dental solutions, visit Smile in Style. Call us at 03 8001 6021 (Sunbury) 03 8400 4104 (Moonee Ponds).

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Smile In Style Dental office near Moonee Ponds and Sunbury

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Throughout our site, you will find valuable information about our services that will help you get to know us better. It is our mission to create beautiful white healthy smiles using the latest technologies. Our experienced Dentists and staff aim for lifelong relationships with our patients, providing relevant dental education and continual care throughout life. Here, you can learn more about the various dental conditions that may develop and the ways in which we treat them.
Some of the services you can expect to find at Smile in Style include: Our goal is to work together with you to achieve your healthiest, most attractive smile, whilst ensuring your comfort and satisfaction.

Safe Amalgam Removal Protocol

  • Chlorella drink prior is given prior to treatment and a mouth rinse post-treatment. Chlorella can help bind and prevent mercury absorption.
  • Physical protective barriers - Masks, protective coverings, eyewear, in-mouth non-latex dental dams, and other steps are taken to prevent physical contact with mercury for the patient and staff.
  • Oral evacuation - Generous amounts of water are used to continuously rinse particulate matter from the mouth while suctioning it away. Combined with protective dental dams, this prevents patients from swallowing dental amalgam particles during treatment. Additionally, the rinsing helps lower the temperature of the filling, reducing the amount of mercury vapour released.
  • External air - A continuous supply of non-contaminated air or oxygen is delivered via a mask or similar apparatus, preventing inhalation of mercury vapour or particles.
  • "Chunk it out" method - Rather than using a drill to grind the filling down, it is carefully removed in the largest possible pieces, minimising friction, vaporisation.
  • High Volume Evacuation Suction is used by the dental assistant to remove amalgam particles in the mouth.
  • High Volume Air suction and Air Purifiers are used in the clinical room that is able to remove mercury vapour from the room.
  • Amalgam separator use - This device collects mercury-contaminated waste before it can enter the sewage system, allowing us to dispose of it safely.