24953 Paseo De Valencia #26B
Laguna Hills, CA 92653
Contact for Orange County Holistic Dentist

What You Need to Know About Dental Amalgam Fillings

Dental amalgam fillings are the most common material used for cavity fillings. Also known as “metal fillings” or “silver fillings,” dental amalgam fillings are created by mixing a powdered alloy comprised of silver, tin, copper, and other trace metals with liquid (elemental) mercury. It is elemental mercury's inherent chemical properties that cause the alloy particles to bind together into a soft, malleable putty that quickly hardens into a strong and durable filling.

Our patients are often surprised to learn that their amalgam fillings are comprised of approximately 50% elemental mercury by weight. While the FDA recognizes that the elemental mercury in dental amalgam releases low levels of mercury vapor, a known neurotoxin, it considers dental amalgam fillings to be generally safe for adults and children ages 6 and above. Still, the FDA does not recommend dental amalgam exposure for children younger than 6 as their developing neurological systems would be more sensitive to mercury's neurotoxic effects.

While dental amalgam is regularly used for cavity fillings, scientific research shows that mercury poses serious health risks when inhaled or ingested. Patients' amalgam fillings may be releasing mercury into their systems when they drink hot liquids, brush or grind their teeth, or undergo standard dental work like routine teeth cleaning/polishing or filling replacement. Because mercury vapor bioaccumulates, which means that it builds up in organs and tissues, steadily increasing in concentration over time, it's best to take precautions that minimize your exposure to mercury vapor whenever possible.

Have Your Silver Fillings Replaced by a Mercury-Safe Dentist Near Irvine, Mission Viejo, Laguna Niguel, Newport Beach, & Surrounding Cities

Dr. Abdulla provides Orange County with the best in mercury-free dental services, including amalgam filling removal and non-toxic filling alternatives. A trusted holistic dentist based in Laguna Hills, California, she is SMART certified and always follows the safety protocols established by the International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology (IAOMT) for the safe removal of amalgam fillings, ensuring her patients and medical staff do not experience the harmful effects of mercury vapor during replacement procedures.

Dr. Abdulla Follows IAOMT's Safe Mercury Amalgam Removal Technique (SMART) for All Dental Amalgam Filling Removal Procedures

Dr. Abdulla takes every necessary safety precaution to reduce the risk of mercury contamination during the removal of silver fillings. Following the IOAMT's Safe Mercury Amalgam Removal Technique (SMART), she thoroughly covers her patients with protective gowns to protect their hair and clothing. Clients are then given a chelating oral rinse before rubber dental dams are inserted to isolate the tooth. As Dr. Abdulla removes the filling, she uses a mercury vacuum--a powerful, fully sealed HEPA dental air vacuum--to suction any mercury vapor that is released from the procedure, while the patient breathes pure oxygen through an external air source. Meanwhile, an amalgam separator works to prevent environmental contamination and collect mercury waste. All mercury-contaminated waste is then disposed of in accordance with local and federal regulations.

Orange County Patients Choose Non-Toxic, Mercury-Free Composite Fillings as Biocompatible Alternatives to Amalgam Fillings

Biocompatible Composite Fillings Irvine, CA

After an amalgam filling has been safely removed, Dr. Abdulla's patients rinse with the chelating oral rinse a second time to bind any trace metals that might be left behind before moving forward with the filling replacement. Using only non-toxic filling materials, Dr. Abdulla will replace the old silver filling with a biocompatible filling, crown, or inlay. Biocompatible fillings are not only beneficial to a client's overall health, but they also match the natural color of tooth enamel to blend in more seamlessly with surrounding teeth.

Call Today for the Best in Mercury-Free Dentistry Near Irvine, Mission Viejo, Laguna Niguel, and Surrounding Areas

Dr. Abdulla is committed to offering mercury-free dentistry for clients living in or near Irvine, Ladera Ranch, San Juan Capistrano, Coto de Caza, Lake Forest, Aliso Viejo, and surrounding areas. Her amalgam filling removal and biocompatible fillings are covered by most PPO plans, and she provides thorough initial consultations for those who are visiting her dental office in Laguna Hills, California, for the first time. Call or request an appointment today!


CUSTOMER REVIEW!

Great dentist! My family has been going here for a very long time and we love it! Very gentle which is important to me because I've come from a very rough orthodontist not to mention a very friendly and warm atmosphere.

Tina Boyd

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If you are having a dental emergency, please call our office directly for the fastest response. (949) 954-6478
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ASSOCIATIONS
American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine Member American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine Member Loma Linda Doctor of Dental Surgery Graduate Experienced Holistic Dentist Laguna Hills, CA University of California Irvine American Dental Association Member IAOMT Mercury Safe Dentist Orange County, CA SMART Certified Holistic Dentist Orange County AADSM Diplomate Orange County, CA

Completed TMJ and Orofacial Pain Mini-Residency at UCLA School of Dentistry

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