Facts about Metal-Free Dentistry

An “amalgam” filling is a metal-based filling that uses gold, silver, mercury, and other metals and combinations of these metals in dental work. Metal fillings date back as far as 1830 and have been the norm almost since that time. Metal fillings have been used in bridges, crowns, and other types of fillings to repair damaged teeth.

Recent research has confirmed that having these metals in our mouths for years may not be healthy. Mercury has been studied specifically and researchers have found that mercury, even in small amounts, is very harmful to our health. This has been a hotly debated topic with dentists all over North America for many years, but the latest findings do show that potential problems can arise from the use of metals in the mouth.

As more and more of the public is becoming aware of the dangers, especially with mercury fillings, many individuals are concerned about toxicity issues. When a filling is stable and sound and causes no problems, it is often best left alone. If a metal filling should become loose or unstable, then most dentists do recommend removing it and replacing it with the newer composite amalgams.

Precautions Concerning Replacing Mercury Fillings

If you are planning to have a mercury filling replaced, then it’s very important to choose a professional dentist who understands the dangers that mercury poses to humans. There are a number of precautions we take at Nashville Restorative Dentistry, such as the use of a rubber dam in the mouth.

Patients are covered with a disposable drape to prevent mercury particles from getting into clothing, hair, and eyes. We also utilize high-volume suction and ample irrigation with water during the sectioning and removal procedure. Additionally, we use a centralized mercury separating unit that collects 99% of mercury before it passes into waste in order to provide the utmost protection for our patients.

Additional Problems You May Incur

We have adopted the metal-free philosophy for a number of reasons. The toxicity issues are a primary concern, but there are a few others. When the metal in a filling mixes with saliva, it tends to produce voltages and cause electrolysis-related corrosion. These are measurable voltages that can produce electromagnetic waves that can interfere with human brainwave patterns.

The interference can be very nominal, causing a simple lowering of the immune system but it can also cause stress and even more serious issues in some individuals. Each human is different and what affects what person may not harm another at all. Though there are still many debates about the use of metals in the dentistry profession, at Nashville Restorative Dentistry, we value your health first and foremost and do not wish to take even the slightest chance that a filling may eventually cause a health concern.

Our metal-free dentistry gives you a safe, visually-appealing, and structurally-sound solution for tooth restoration. We use the Huggins Protocol when replacing amalgam fillings with state-of-the-art synthetic, tooth-colored compounds that offer distinct advantages over old-style metals. These materials are strong and long-lasting, yet do not damage your teeth. They are attached with very high adhesion and sculpted for a custom fit. This is the perfect solution for fillings and crowns and offers much greater peace of mind over metal substances.

We are equipped to handle the majority of your dental needs

We understand the importance of having a dentist you can trust. And that means not being sent off to a different specialist every time you need a new procedure. At Nashville Restorative Dentistry, we are equipped to handle the majority of your dental needs from cosmetic to restorative, implants to extractions. When you come to us, you are getting a dental team for life.

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Nashville Restorative Dentistry

Dr. Ryan M. Jones

Ryan M. Jones, DDS, FAGD, focuses on delivering excellence in dental care and creating beautiful smiles, fighting disease and inflammation, using biocompatible materials, and educating patients about their scope of treatment options. He is an alumnus of Brentwood High School, the University of Tennessee (Knoxville), and the University of Tennessee College of Dentistry (Memphis). He is a graduate and mentor for the Kois Center in Seattle, a world-class post-graduate facility focusing on comprehensive patient care. He has taken the Pikos Institute (Tampa, FL) curriculum, which is focused on advanced surgical techniques. He’s also earned a Fellowship in the Academy of General Dentistry (FAGD) and is currently expanding his digital dentistry and Exocad knowledge in various courses.

Dr. Jones is also passionate about providing for the underserved and has taken part in many dentistry-related charity and community projects.

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Dr. Caleb M. Estes

Caleb M. Estes, DMD, FAGD, is a dedicated professional with a strong academic background and extensive postdoctoral education. After graduating from Southern Illinois University - Edwardsville and earning his Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from the SIU School of Dental Medicine, he has constantly pursued advanced training. He has earned a Fellowship with the Academy of General Dentistry and is a graduate of the prestigious Kois Center. Before joining Nashville Restorative Dentistry, he served in the US Army as a general dentist and a Captain, deploying alongside US and NATO forces to Afghanistan in 2015. He also completed an Advanced Education in General Dentistry residency program with the Army during this time.

Dr. Estes’ passion is to provide excellence in clinical dentistry and patient care while using the best restorative and preventative materials available. Accomplished in both surgical and restorative dentistry, he finds great fulfillment in transforming smiles and instilling confidence in his patients.

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Patient Testimonial

Issue: Severely compromised remaining natural teeth with multiple areas of decay, failing previous dental work, missing teeth, unaesthetically restored lower front implants, and extremely worn and chipped upper front teeth.

Solution: Through a detailed plan of bone grafting, implant placement, and new crowns on the remaining natural teeth – a dramatic restoration of function and cosmetic appearance was possible.

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