Member IAOMT: International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology

We want to help you optimize your oral health. If you have old dental fillings that contain silver or mercury, and you would like to replace them, Dr. Christopher Pavletic can replace it with a composite filling. Composite fillings are not only safe and durable, but also beautiful and discreet. If you would like to replace your old dental filling with a composite dental filling in Orland Park, Illinois, please contact our team at Trine Dental Group today, and schedule an appointment with our experienced dentist.

Dental amalgam is composed of a mixture of metals, including silver, mercury, tin, copper and other trace metals. Amalgam has been used in dental fillings for over 100 years, and some dentists still use it today. Mercury may be harmful to your overall health and is released into your body in small amounts through amalgam fillings. Composite fillings, on the other hand, are free of mercury. Furthermore, amalgam fillings often eventually lead to tooth fractures and cracks, while composite restorations can actually help to strengthen the tooth structure. Composite dental fillings are also a more aesthetic choice for your smile: while amalgam dental fillings are silver in color, composite fillings are tooth-colored and can be matched to blend in with your smile’s natural appearance.

At our office, we do not use any materials or products that contain mercury. We are dedicated to your health and are happy to answer any questions you may have about amalgam and mercury.

Our dentist and team have been trained in safe dental amalgam removal, and we can often complete this treatment in a single comfortable visit to our office. For more information about amalgam removal and the benefits of mercury-free dentistry, we invite you to call or visit us today. We are always happy to answer your questions!

Why are we concerned about the use of mercury in dentistry?

You may not realize that “silver” amalgam fillings are actually 50% mercury. A large amalgam filling may contain as much mercury as a thermometer. Mercury easily vaporizes at room temperature. In this state, it is colorless, tasteless, and odorless and inhaled mercury vapor is absorbed into the bloodstream. The World Health Organization has found that dental fillings contribute more mercury to a person’s body than all other sources of mercury combined. Mercury is a powerful poison that is more toxic than lead, cadmium, and arsenic. No amount of exposure to mercury vapor can be considered harmless, especially considering the effects are cumulative.

Is there an associated health risk?

Most medical and scientific researchers have called for a ban on mercury use in all products. In spite of this, the U.S. Government has ignored the potential harmful effects of mercury fillings. Because of its poisonous nature, mercury can negatively affect the immune, urinary, cardiac, respiratory, and digestive systems. Laboratory tests have shown that mercury produces brain cell deterioration identical to that seen in victims of Alzheimer’s disease.

Should I have my mercury filling removed?

The International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology (IAOMT) and Dr. Christopher Pavletic believe you should, unless your physician thinks otherwise. Mercury vapor is constantly emitted from dental fillings and accumulates in the body over time. The negative effects of this exposure may not be apparent for years or even decades. Studies show that even low levels of mercury cause measurable adverse health effects. Mercury in the tissues of a fetus or infant correlates with the number of dental amalgam fillings in the mother. Newborns may be at risk for learning disabilities because of mercury their mothers absorbed during pregnancy.

Is there a proper way to remove mercury fillings?

IAOMT dentists, like Dr. Christopher Pavletic are trained to properly remove mercury fillings in Orland Park, Illinois. Proper removal of these fillings prevents additional mercury exposure. At Trine Dental Group, we utilize an efficient suction system in the oral cavity with a special tip that contains amalgam particles and mercury vapor. We utilize a vacuum system at maximum efficiency. Our dentist and team apply copious amounts of water to the filling during removal. The amalgam filling is removed in large segments to minimize mercury vapor and amalgam particulates. We provide the patient with oxygen and the dental team with a mercury-free source of air. Dr. Christopher Pavletic and our team protect the environment with approved mercury recycling equipment. Our recapture unit prevents dental mercury from contaminating drinking water.

We encourage you to contact our office today to learn more and to schedule your next visit.