The mercury tooth filling method was developed in the mid 1800s. There are old and many dentists believe that they are tried and true. This is what these dentists learned in dental school and this is what they have been doing for years. Most older dentists who graduated before 1995, or earlier, were taught that restorations in the back teeth should be made of dental amalgam or gold. In fact in the 1980s, some dentists were officially reprimanded for using white filling materials in the back of the mouth.

          Today with significant dental research devoted to developing stronger and more natural looking dental composites, mercury tooth filling materials are less necessary. The new dental composite is hardened by light curing and when the material is placed into the tooth in layers, it's able to achieve a very high strength. New materials are also more lifelike in their appearance so that most of these restorations look and fell like real teeth.

          Mercury tooth filling materials do serve some important purposes. Patients who suffer with tooth grinding wear their teeth down. This places tremendous pressures on the back teeth and these excessive pressures can severely wear down the softer white fillings. With time the soft white fillings no longer chew and all of the chewing pressures are placed on the already weakened and drilled away natural tooth structure. This can cause tooth fractures and the unfortunate need for root canals. Prior to the tooth dying, there is often significant hot and cold sensitivity that can really aggravate the patient when eating.

          The dentists at the Atlanta Dental Group PC are dedicated to their patients' good health and well being. You are welcome to join their family of patients. Of course, they are concerned about placing mercury in their patients' mouths, however, they also believe that their patients should be respected and have choices. There are instances where mercury tooth filling material is appropriate but patients should always be the ones that make these decisions. You are welcome to schedule an free dental consultation with Atlanta Cosmetic Dentist, Dr. Mark Allan Padolsky by calling 404-874-7428.