Why you should re-think the use of mercury amalgam fillings in Lakewood

Traditionally, the primary substance dentists had to place fillings in teeth damaged by decay was metal amalgam. This substance is generally composed of 50 percent mercury, roughly 22-32 percent silver and lesser amounts of tin and copper. Mercury amalgam became the preferred filling material for dentists since the 1800s due to how easily these fillings could be placed and how cost effective and durable they were.

Today, we know that what is easiest and cheapest is not always what is best, and especially because of the high level of mercury present in amalgam fillings, they have come under much scrutiny from the dental community. This distrust of amalgam is nothing new. In fact, amalgam fillings came under scrutiny almost as soon as they were introduced in the United States in the 1800s, and the only dental association at the time banned their use as malpractice. When the ADA took over from the old association they removed the ban, and over the years, the level of mercury in fillings has been reduced from as high as 66 percent to the current level of 50 percent and its usage became the standard.

Because mercury is known to be a toxic substance and 50 percent is still an incredibly high percentage, more and more dentists are rethinking the usage of this type of filling. With the introduction of durable composite fillings, countries like Norway, Sweden, and Denmark have banned the use of mercury amalgam fillings entirely for health and environmental reasons.

In the U.S., the debate goes on due to inconclusive reports on the dangers of mercury in fillings, especially in its most dangerous vaporous form. Without proof of the safety of mercury in fillings, and allegations of effects such as kidney disease and mental and emotional health effects, many dentists in the U.S. are beginning to agree that it is safer to avoid the use of mercury in fillings altogether. In addition, those who are environmentally conscious also choose to avoid mercury amalgam fillings because they are known to add to toxic levels of mercury in the environment.

South Lakewood Dental has chosen to practice mercury free and mercury safe dentistry in an effort to protect your health, the health of their dental workers, and the environment. If you are ready to re-think the use of mercury amalgam fillings, give our Lakewood office a call today.

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Dr. Scott Stewart - South Lakewood Dental

Dr. Scott Stewart is a highly experienced dentist who brings over 40 years of dental expertise to his practice in Lakewood, CO, rooted in a blend of traditional and holistic dentistry. Dr. Stewart, a University of Nebraska Medical Center graduate, Resident studies at St. Lukes Hospital, Resident studies at the University of Tennessee has continuously advanced his expertise, earning Board Certification as a Naturopathic Physician. He is a pioneer in biological dentistry, offering innovative treatments like laser dentistry, ozone therapy, and mercury-free protocols. Co-author of the bestselling book "Inside Job," Dr. Stewart is committed to lifelong learning and patient-centered care, making him a trusted authority in both conventional and alternative dental practices.

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