mercury free dentistry

Mercury Free Dentistry

With modern advancements in the field of dentistry, dentists are now able to realize the costly effects that previous procedures, and the materials used, can have on the overall oral health of their patients: such a material is metal fillings which contain mercury. Mercury Amalgam fillings are found to be harmful to the structure of the teeth, as well as other general health concerns. Willow Park Dental, and its dentists, Dr. Kanji are committed to providing a safe alternative for their patient’s restoration needs; and we’re proud to say we are a mercury-free dental practice in Calgary, Alberta.

The harmful effects of Mercury

Your oral health can have an impact on your overall health, so it should be no wonder that the effects of mercury amalgam, which can be harmful to your teeth, can have adverse affects on your general health. Mercury has been linked to a number of health concerns for a number of years, and metal fillings you may have had used during restoration can have trace amounts of this metal.

A harmful aspect of mercury fillings is that they expand and contract with changes in temperature; this can cause damage to the structure of your teeth, eventually weakening it to the point where it can cause fracture which would require a crown or even a root canal. The placing of a mercury filling is also harmful to the structure of the tooth in that more of the tooth must be removed to make way for the filling, exposing the sensitive dentin.

Tooth Colored Fillings

A healthy alternative exists: tooth-colored fillings are made with composite materials, or resin which can safely, and effectively protect your teeth’s structure, and prevent further damage. Advantages include:

  • Tooth-colored fillings require removing less of the natural tooth structure than does a filling with mercury amalgam
  • Tooth-colored fillings bond to your tooth and strengthen it, while mercury fillings do not, and weaken it
  • Tooth-colored fillings look more like your natural tooth and are less noticeable, while mercury fillings are noticed by others
  • Mercury fillings are sensitive to hot and cold temperatures, but tooth colored fillings are less so

For more information on how Dr. Kanji can help you achieve your beautiful, natural looking smile, make an appointment for a consultation at Willow Park Dental.