Did you know that traditional “silver” fillings contain almost 50 percent mercury, with the remaining material an amalgam of different metals, like silver, copper, and zinc.

Dr. Arash Azarbal is a mercury-free cosmetic dentist. His dental fillings are made of white composite resin, which provides a beautiful, cosmetic, and safe result.

Should I Be Worried About Mercury?

Mercury is a heavy metal that is highly toxic if ingested in any form. Research has indicated that chewing pressures over time cause a small amount of mercury vapor to be released from dental fillings, which may result in incremental exposure over time.

There has never been any proven association between the mercury in dental fillings and any illness or reaction. However, since more has been learned about mercury exposure in other areas, many people are concerned about mercury exposure from dental work

Mercury-Free Alternatives for Fillings

Newer composite resins are strong enough to be placed even in back teeth. They bond to the tooth itself and strengthen the tooth overall, which leads to a lower risk of breakage or future damage. They are metal-free and non-toxic. Patients with composite fillings also report less sensitivity to heat and cold than patients with traditional amalgam fillings.

Composite fillings are white and match the surrounding color of the teeth. Placement of composite fillings also requires less tooth preparation than a traditional amalgam filling, which means a smaller amount of material is needed to complete the filling.

It’s important to emphasize, however, that composite restorations are more technique sensitive. Dentists must undergo significant post-graduate training to learn how to use these filling materials properly. Placement of composite fillings requires certain precautions in order for the material to bond correctly. Dr. Azarbal has completed extensive training in the proper use of these composite resins and is very comfortable placing them.

Metal-Free Porcelain Inlays and Onlays

Porcelain Inlays and Onlays are types of restorations that are used to repair the top, or chewing portion of the teeth. A digital impression will be taken of your tooth or teeth that need the restoration (or replacements for metal fillings), and that information will be transferred to our CEREC® system. A new, metal-free porcelain inlay or onlay can be designed, developed, and created during your same appointment and placed by Dr. Azarbal, so there is no need to return for a second visit. Your new restoration should blend in with your natural tooth and provide an aesthetically appealing and durable alternative to a metal filling. To learn more, please visit our page on inlays and onlays.

Metal-Free Crowns

In the past when porcelain was used for a crown, it had to be baked onto a metal foundation. This has some disadvantages. Because of the need to cover the metal, the crowns required a more opaque layer, which detracts from the porcelain’s natural beauty. So, what would normally be a great way to mimic the beauty of natural teeth can end up looking fake.

Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns often develop a black line at the gumline. Though dentists try to hide this with a “porcelain butt margin” to make it less noticeable, the lines are still there.

Fortunately, through new bonding technology, we can now place all porcelain crowns without the need for a metal foundation. The natural translucency and gloss of the porcelain creates a more beautiful, natural-looking smile.

If you’re looking for a metal-free dentist, call us to schedule an appointment, or request an appointment online.