For many years, there has been a growing decrease in the use of mercury amalgam fillings. Composite has become the favored material to use both as a better material in general and because it is safer than mercury. Mercury can not only seep into the body through the teeth, but when removing it, it can release toxic vapors if not removed safely.
Many dentists have begun promoting themselves as “Mercury Free”, meaning they have stopped using mercury amalgam in favor of composite. This is great for people concerned about their health and for those with holistic leanings. Those people should be cautious, however, because a dentist claiming to be Mercury Free may not also be Mercury-Safe, meaning he or she may not know how to safely remove amalgam fillings.
Mercury-Safe dentists are aware of the dangers involved in removing mercury fillings. They know that toxic mercury vapors could be released and how important it is to protect the patient from them. They also know that the mercury in the fillings could negatively affect not only the patient, dentist, and staff, but also the environment. Mercury-Safe dentists therefore have the proper equipment to use to safely remove amalgam fillings, as well as the knowledge, training, and skills to do so.
It is important for patients to know the difference between the two and whether their dentist is only Mercury Free or if they are also Mercury-Safe.
The International Association of Mercury-Safe Dentists (IAMSD) is a group of dentists dedicated to providing not only Mercury Free dental care to patients but also to being Mercury-Safe dentists.
For dental patients in the San Diego area who are concerned about the use of mercury amalgam in fillings and who want a dentist who is not only Mercury Free but also Mercury-Safe, they will be happy to know that Dr. Woods at Brighton Dental is now a proud member of the IAMSD and she can expertly provide all your Mercury Free and Mercury-Safe dental needs. As with all such dentists, she knows that the decision to remove a mercury filling or not is ultimately up to the patient, and will provide as much information as possible to help the patient make an educated decision.
Call to schedule a free consultation with Dr. Woods at (619) 359-6569.
