In the past, metal crowns and fillings were considered the acceptable standard for dental care. Most people have some metal dental work, usually on the back teeth which are more susceptible to decay. Recent findings on the potential toxicity of mercury in silver crowns and fillings have caused a stir in the dental community. Although much debate still exists, at Hardin Advanced Dentistry, we won't gamble with your health. We place mercury-free crowns, fillings, in-lays, and on-lays, and we can safely remove existing metal dental work for a more natural-looking smile and improved overall health.
Mercury-Amalgam Findings
Repeated studies show that mercury vapors can, and do, escape from metal fillings. These vapors can travel to other parts of the body, including the stomach, intestines, heart, lungs, kidney, liver, spleen, pancreas, and ovaries. Effects of mercury poisoning can take upwards of 20 years to manifest and often onset slowly. However, chronic mercury toxicity has been linked to neurological impairment, decreased fertility, depression, dizziness, gastrointestinal problems, migraines, irregular heartbeat, memory loss, numbness, oral ulcers, and more.
Mercury in the Media
Despite numerous findings pointing toward the toxicity of mercury in fillings, the ADA still supports amalgam fillings, claiming that mercury levels are too low to cause harm. However, the FDA changed its stance in 2009, issuing a news release that warned against the use of amalgams for pregnant patients or those with sensitivity to mercury. They also warned dentists to use adequate ventilation when handling dental amalgam.
Safe Mercury
Removal
Dr. Tara Hardin practices mercury-free dentistry. We use alternatives such as composite fillings and CEREC all-ceramic crowns, which do not contain any mercury. When removing existing mercury/metal dental work from our patients, we use safe methods, including rubber dam isolation, to minimize mercury exposure and reduce the amount of mercury vapors emitted in the process.
Hardin Advanced Dentistry is a proud member of Dr. Tom McGuire's International Association of Mercury Safe Dentists (IAMSD). As part of our committed whole body approach to oral health care, we work closely with IAMSD to share important information with our patients about the impact dental issues and treatments have on overall health.
If you would like to learn more about mercury-free dentistry, please contact Hardin Advanced Dentistry online or by calling (513) 216-2935 today. Welcoming patients throughout Ohio, including Mason, Dayton, and Cincinnati, as well as Southeast Indiana and Northern Kentucky.
Metal Free Dentistry FAQ's
Do dentists still use silver fillings?
There are many dentists who still place silver fillings. We at Hardin Advanced Dentistry do not place any silver fillings. All fillings we place are tooth colored. The material is not only more esthetic but also doesn’t put undue stresses on your tooth. Metal fillings expand and contract with temperature changes and the expansion causes teeth to crack. We have seen the catastrophic effects from large silver fillings and choose not to place them for this reason as well as others: esthetics, controversy with safety due to the mercury.
Why do dentists still use silver fillings?
This is a great question. Other than reluctance (and dare we say ignorance) to change and adapt to the newest methods, your guess is as good as ours. There is a reason that dental schools today are NOT teaching students how to restore teeth with silver fillings. Dentistry is evolving; unfortunately, not all dentists are following suit. Why place silver fillings that necessitate removal of more tooth structure? With newer materials and techniques for bonding, we can be minimally invasive and conserve your tooth structure.
Should I get my silver fillings replaced?
The short answer is most of the time, yes. Unless the silver filling is small enough that there are no stress fractures down the tooth and it’s perfectly sealed, chances are the silver filling is causing strain on your tooth. They’re also usually very unaesthetic.
Is it dangerous to have mercury fillings removed?
Placing a silver filling and removing a silver filling are the two most susceptible times the filling can be dangerous to your health. Upon placement, the mercury is in its natural form and can come in contact with your oral cavity if not done properly. Removing a silver filling can also pose a risk because of the vapors and aerosols during its removal. Sometimes improper removal of silver fillings can be more dangerous than the filling itself. This must be done carefully and with strict isolation measures. We at Hardin Advanced Dentistry use rubber dam isolation to keep you from swallowing any metal particles during removal and to keep you safe throughout the process!
Why choose
Dr. Tara Hardin?
Dr. Hardin is a Las Vegas Institute Fellow, granted only after a minimum of 278 hours of advanced education and experience in aesthetics, physiologic science, and a comprehensive practical examination. Additionally, she is an Accredited Fellow of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, an accreditation granted only to those with superior performance and knowledge in cosmetic and restorative dentistry. These qualifications are compounded by almost two decades of experience and continued education.
Learn more about Dr. Hardin
Patient
Testimonials
What convinced me to try Hardin Dental, was that she not only emphasizes your smile, but also the health of my teeth.
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Now I smile with confidence and I have people telling me my teeth look beautiful.
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My experience at Hardin was nothing but positive. Dr. Tara Hardin made me feel very comfortable and important.
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The best thing about Hardin Advanced Dentistry is that Dr. Tara Hardin is just a perfectionist with what she does in the field of cosmetic dentistry.
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Hardin Dentistry is very professional and makes us feel extremely comfortable.
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I had a great experience at Hardin Advanced Dentistry.
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My experience at Hardin Advanced Dentistry has been wonderful.
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The thing that I like most about Hardin Advanced Dentistry is the professionalism and timeliness of her staff, and the outcome of the work that was performed on my teeth.
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Amazing dentist and staff and the best work ever! I highly recommend this place!
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From the initial phone call to my appointment, everyone treated me very kindly. I couldn't have asked for more as a patient. Thank you all for everything.
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I am so glad I am a patient here! It is a great feeling to have my "repairs" completed and now I am just in "maintenance mode with a clean bill of health at every check-up!"
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Everyone is always so pleasant and every visit is a great experience.
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Everything went very smoothly and they were very comforting and eased my worries.
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I give them 5 stars!
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Dr. Tara and her staff are the best. Organized, efficient, gentle, thorough, and very skilled are just a few of the adjectives that I would use to describe my experience.
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Best dental office ever. Dr Tara is one of the most knowledgeable dentists I've ever known.
