Over the last few decades, many dentists have addressed cavities with the use of silver amalgam fillings. These fillings are comprised of approximately 50 percent mercury. Mercury, when heated, releases toxins which can be devastating to humans. It is easy to heat silver amalgam fillings with warm drinks or even friction from chewing or brushing the teeth. Many dentists have decided to avoid the use of silver amalgam fillings and switch to a more aesthetic alternative.

Aesthetic fillings are used by general and cosmetic dentists in and around the Palm Beach Gardens area. Drs. James Medlock and Elizabeth Keith have committed their practice to providing mercury safe dentistry. They not only use composite resin fillings instead of silver amalgam fillings, but they also provide safe removal of these mercury fillings as well. They want their patients to enjoy a life free from mercury exposure, which can have a number of negative effects.

Aesthetic fillings are made of composite resin. This is a clay-like material that matches the color of the tooth enamel for seamless integration into the smile. Cavities are prepared with the removal of damaged structure before the composite resin is placed into the teeth. It is hardened with a special light, then filed down and polished for shine and precision fit.

Composite resin fillings are highly desirable not only because they blend in with the smile, but because they do not expand and contract in the same way silver amalgam fillings do. Expansion and contraction can result in bacteria entering into the tooth. This can cause infection that may later require root canal therapy to address. Aesthetic fillings do not expose patients to mercury and provides a metal-free alternative.

If you reside in or around the area of Palm Beach Gardens and are ready to work with mercury safe dentists, contact Drs. James Medlock and Elizabeth Keith by calling their practice at (855) 883-0355 to discuss the options readily available for treating cavities and enhancing the appearance of the smile. Our state-of-the-art practice welcomes new patients.