Houston Mercury-Free Dentist

Amalgam fillings not only contain mercury, but over time they can corrode, crack, expand, and weaken the teeth.

Composite fillings are mercury-free, bond to the teeth, and are more attractive.

Many people do not realize that silver fillings contain 50% mercury. The actual technical term for this is amalgam fillings. An amalgam is a mixture of another metal with mercury.

Many people are uncomfortable with the idea of having mercury compounds in their mouths. We understand that concern, and at The Houston Dentists, we are mercury-free dentists, and we do not place any amalgam fillings.

For a number of reasons, we prefer to use new composite technology to place fillings.

Advantages of Mercury-Free Composite Fillings

• For a new cavity, much less drilling is required in placing a composite filling. With amalgam, undermined and weakened tooth structure, even though it is healthy, has to be completely drilled away. Since composite fillings bond to existing tooth structure, this healthy tooth structure can be left intact. We always prefer preserving healthy tooth structure whenever we can.
• Since it bonds to the tooth, a composite filling restores most of the original strength of the tooth, making tooth fracture less likely.
• There is less post-operative sensitivity with composite fillings. Amalgam conducts heat and cold readily to the center of the tooth, and it can take several weeks for the sensitivity to subside.
• The color of the filling can be matched to your tooth, so that your dental work doesn’t show when you smile and laugh.
• Composite fillings are mercury-free.

Mercury Removal

Some people are so concerned about the mercury in their mouths that they want all of the old amalgam fillings removed. While we don’t recommend the replacement of functioning dental work, we can take care of this removal for you, if that is your wish.

Dr. Thomas Hedge and Dr. Kathy Frazar are mercury-free dentists in Houston, and we are here to help you.