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before and after mercury-free fillings

Problem with Amalgam Fillings

I had to get a dental filling. It was my first one. I’ve been with the same dentist for years, since I was a child actually. He still does those amalgam fillings. I’d asked for a white filling, but he said they’re not a good idea on back teeth. I’m wondering if I could be allergic to the filling. Ever since I had the filling placed, my cheek has been […]

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before and after mercury-free fillings

Do I Need a Cosmetic Dentist for White Fillings?

I go to a decent family dentist. However, he’s more of a bread and butter type practice—function over form. I’ve been considering getting rid of my silver fillings for the mercury-free white fillings. My dentist says they’re perfectly safe, but I have my doubts. Even if I’m wrong, it will give me peace of mind to get rid of them. Will I need to switch to a cosmetic dentist for […]

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before and after mercury-free fillings

Do Amalgam Fillings Stain Teeth?

I want to remove a couple of amalgam fillings on my back teeth but my dentist insists it won’t help their appearance to look white because amalgam stains teeth. If that’s true, is there any way to make them look more attractive? Hardly anyone has a smile filled with silver anymore and I feel like it makes me look bad. I have a big smile and you can see my […]

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before and after mercury-free fillings

Can I Get Porcelain Veneers with Silver Fillings?

I have a mouth full of silver. I want to get porcelain veneers, but my dentist said he doesn’t recommend it with silver fillings. Can I remove them and then get the veneers? Lisa Dear Lisa, The only reason you might want to change out your fillings in order to get porcelain veneers is if the fillings are visible when you smile. Without that, there’s absolutely no technical reason to […]

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before and after mercury-free fillings

Allergic to Fillings

I had my first filling a few months ago. My insurance only covered silver fillings so I went ahead and got those. Ever since, I haven’t felt right and my tongue has been itchy. I think I’m allergic to the filling. Have you heard of this? My dentist doesn’t think that’s the problem. Catie Dear Catie, If you’ve eliminated other possibilities then it could very well be your fillings. Some […]

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before and after mercury-free fillings

Why is Mercury-free Dentistry the Big Thing Now?

All I’m ever hearing about these days is “You must go to a mercury-free dentist.” Is this the new healthcare fads? Is it really as important as everyone is saying? Ben Dear Ben, Rather than a fad, I think of it more as a greater awareness. Until recently, most people didn’t realize the main ingredient in their silver fillings was mercury. Now they do. As mercury is a known toxin, […]

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Image of mercury-free composite filings

I Want My Silver Fillings OUT!

I’ve had silver fillings for years. Yes, they’ve served me well. But, at the time I got them it was our only option. These days, my grandchildren and great-grandchildren are all getting white fillings. I want those. My silver fillings have always conducted heat, which with my mouthful of metal can be uncomfortable. My dentist, who is close to my age, said he’s not that interested in removing something that’s […]

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Is My Dentist or My Filling the Problem?

I’m trying to figure out where the problem lies. I wanted a white filling instead of a silver one. I know it sounds vain, but I’m tired of obvious fillings and wanted something that matched my teeth. I told my dentist. He wasn’t too keen on the idea and told me they have problems. None of my friends with white fillings seem to have problems with them, so I decided […]

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Is a Mercury-free Dentist Absolutely Necessary to Remove One Filling?

I keep reading that it’s important to replace your old silver fillings, which are loaded with mercury, with a white filling. I also hear you need to use a mercury-free dentist to do it. Is that really necessary? I only have one filling. I’ve had it for about 2o years. Cyndy L. – Brooklyn Cyndy, There is some controversy surrounding the whole amalgam versus composite fillings. Here’s the problem. The […]

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Can I get mercury filled fillings removed?

It turns out that my fillings are mostly made of mercury. I cannto believe my dentist didn’t warn me about that. I want them out, but I don’t know if they can be removed. Advice? Beth C. – Louisiana Beth, Yes, they can be removed, but they have to be done a certain way to protect you from the mercury fumes. Not all dentists know how to do that, nor […]

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