Berkeley, CA tooth colored fillings can make cavities disappear

An ideal smile is both healthy and lovely. Often, the line between cosmetic and restorative dentistry is blurred, as is the case with cavities. These little spots detract from the appearance of your smile. They also pose a serious risk to your oral health, as decay tends to grow and spread, eventually exposing nerves to painful infection. Several direct filling materials can stop the decay and repair the structural damage, but only one can also restore the appearance of your tooth. Composite resin fillings, available from Transcendentist in Berkeley, CA, are long-lasting, metal free, and natural looking.

Why metal free matters

For more than 150 years, amalgam has been one of the most popular materials for tooth cavity fillings. It is commonly called “silver,” but amalgam is a mixture of several metals with very low silver content. Approximately half of the mixture is mercury, with tin, copper, and silver comprising the other half. Drs. Kamat and Sangha opt against using amalgam for several reasons:

• Esthetics – The most obvious problem with amalgam fillings is cosmetic. They are bright silver when new and blacken with age, making it glaringly obvious that you’ve had dental work done.
• Health concerns – Mercury is a neurotoxin,[1] with potentially severe health effects. Amalgam fillings release mercury vapor, which can be inhaled and absorbed into your body.[2] These facts are undisputed. However, there is considerable controversy[3] and scientific disagreement about the amount of mercury exposure that amalgam fillings cause, and whether it is high enough to be hazardous.
• Environmental concerns – Dental amalgam is responsible for an estimated 28 tons of mercury pollution annually in the United States[4]. Although equipment such as amalgam separators can decrease the amount of mercury in dental office wastewater, amalgam fillings still contribute to environmental pollution via human waste (sewage), cremation of individuals with “silver” fillings, and other means.

Why choose composite dental fillings?

A better question would be, why not? Some dentists (and the American Dental Association) argue that evidence of mercury toxicity from amalgam fillings is insufficient to discontinue their use. We would argue that there is no reason to take chances when a beautiful, environmentally friendly, and biocompatible alternative is available. Moreover, our patients have expressed a desire for metal free dentistry, and that alone is reason enough for us!

The many benefits of composite fillings include:

• No one needs to know you’ve had dental work. With these natural-looking restorations, no one will know.
• Composite material retains it color over time with no blackening, so it will not discolor your teeth.
• White dental fillings are green! There is no issue of toxic waste disposal, because these fillings don’t generate toxic waste.

Make those cavities disappear

Drs. Kamat and Sangha, along with the entire Transcendentist team are committed to delivering dental care that is healthy for you, safe for the earth, and stunningly beautiful. Call us at (510) 800-7660 to arrange an appointment.