Why patients of Glen Allen, VA may choose a Mercury Free dentist

At Richmond Family Dentistry, we believe that all of our patients benefit from our mercury-free, holistic dental practice. Our philosophy goes beyond treating “just the teeth” as we believe there is a strong connection between the health of the body and the health of the mouth. Our dental services are designed around that philosophy, as we recommend treatment plans that are not only best for the smile, but also best for total wellness.

As a holistic dental provider, all of our services are mercury-free, which means that we do not place silver amalgam fillings. While amalgam fillings have been the standard in many dental practices for decades, there have been many studies linking the mercury in amalgam to possible health risks. Amalgam fillings can contain up to 50 percent mercury, which can release dangerous toxins when warmed. Patients with amalgam fillings can be exposed to these toxins any time they bite and chew their food, or consume warm beverages.

At Richmond Family Dentistry, we place biocompatible composite resin fillings as an alternative to amalgam. In addition to being free of mercury, these fillings are tooth-colored and blend in seamlessly in the smile. If you’ve ever seen a silver filling, you’ve noticed that they can stick out aesthetically and draw attention to the filling. With composite resin fillings, no one will notice that you had a cavity filled. Additionally, composite resin fillings are not sensitive to changes in temperature, which means they will not expand or contract like amalgam fillings. The expanding and contracting of fillings has been a long known problem with amalgam and can potentially lead to tooth fractures and the need for additional restorative dental work.

We encourage all of our patients to do their own research on mercury toxicity and the benefits of visiting a mercury-free dental practice. In addition to utilizing biocompatible materials, we put a great deal of emphasis on prevention education. By helping our patients be proactive about regular dental visits along with recognizing the early signs of decay or periodontal disease, we can help them ensure they enjoy a lifetime of healthy smiles. To learn more about mercury-free dentistry, or to schedule a consultation visit, please call us today at (804) 381-6238.