You are much more than your mouth, teeth, and jaws. You are a complex whole — body, mind, and spirit. And what affects one part has effects throughout the whole. Biological dentistry strives to make sure those effects are health-enhancing, not illness-causing.
Holistic, Biological Dentistry, Mercury-Free, Mercury-Safe
We are proud to be a mercury-free dental practice. All restorations placed by Dr. Martin Gorman are biocompatible — as well as durable, functional, and aesthetic. Our highly skilled team adhere to the highest standards of bio-safe dentistry: those defined by the International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology (IAOMT). Whether it’s biological, cosmetic, preventive or general dental care you seek, our goal is the same: To help you reach your health and wellness goals through optimum dental health.
What You Should Know About Amalgam
As an experienced dentist and oral health expert, Dr. Gorman is aware that mercury vapor and dental infections can have a negative impact on overall health. Because of this concern, we focus on patient education and strive to remove mercury amalgam (silver) fillings in a safe way.
Amalgam May Endanger Your Health
Amalgam metal fillings are becoming a thing of the past – and with good reason. In addition to the cosmetic disadvantages of shiny metal filings, the amalgam material typically contains high levels of the toxic mineral mercury. When amalgam is used to fill a tooth, mercury vapor from the filling can pose a number of health risks. These risks may be particularly dangerous to children, and these harmful effects can also potentially be transmitted during pregnancy or while nursing. In addition, women and men with impaired kidney function may be at greater risk of health complications from mercury fillings.
Fortunately, there is now a safe and effective alternative. Tooth-colored composite or porcelain fillings can protect a decaying or damaged tooth without these health risks. These new metal-free materials are free of mercury and have the added benefit of blending seamlessly with your teeth for a beautiful, natural looking smile.
Amalgam Can Damage Your Teeth
The process of using amalgam materials to fill a cavity actually requires the removal of a substantial amount of the healthy tooth. As a result, the natural structure of the tooth can become weakened, increasing the likelihood of more dental problems. Amalgam metal also contracts and expands with temperature changes, which can further damage or crack the teeth over time. The metal-free materials used for tooth-colored fillings bonds directly to the existing tooth, reinforcing the natural tooth structure and helping to prevent future damage.
Amalgam Pollutes Our Environment
Amalgam is considered so dangerous to our environment that dentists were required to use a filtration process before disposing of any amalgam materials. The toxic mercury found in amalgam can pollute water supplies, soil, and even the air when not properly disposed. Once dental mercury has entered the environment, it can convert to a more toxic form (methylmercury) and contaminate the food we eat, such as fish. According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, dental mercury in our environment can cause brain damage and neurological problems.
As part of our commitment to the environment, no amalgam metals are ever used at Gorman Health and Wellness. If you have amalgam fillings or other amalgam restorations and would like to upgrade to metal-free alternatives that can also rejuvenate the appearance of your smile, please contact us today.