What is wrong with amalgams?
 Good question. Amalgams have saved more teeth than any other restorative material. In my opinion, however, better options are available today. Clinical Research Associates, an independent non-profit research organization in Provo, Utah, did a comparative performance review of 21 different filling materials over three (3) years. The standard, or control, was a high quality amalgam, which contained mercury, tin, copper, silver and zinc. In ranking the materials for wear, margin adaptation, surface smoothness, wear of opposing teeth, and breakage, six of the thirteen restorative materials rated best were composites (usually quartz or porcelain type particles in a resin matrix). Six (6) more materials tested a year later ranked better than amalgam. In good conscience we cannot ask our patients to accept an inferior material. We have not placed amalgams since 1981. We use tooth-colored composite for our fillings
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If you have further questions, or desire references for research on composite restorations or mercury fillings, please feel free to contact our office.
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What is a leaking filling?
The margin between the filling and the tooth sometimes breaks down due to the differences in thermal expansion between the tooth and the filling material. They expand and contract at different rates with exposure to hot or cold foods and drinks. This causes microscopic openings at the margin. Bacteria, then decay can get started here. Sometimes you can see a black halo around an old amalgam filling where the corrosion products of the amalgam have leached into the surrounding tooth. This is a sign that the filling is ready to be replaced.
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Why does my referring doctor want me to come here? You are so far away.
 Basically, your doctor knows what I am doing and I know what he or she is doing. They like the idea that we are “on the same page.”
I don’t have any magic that any other dentist doesn’t have. I do follow certain safety protocols while removing amalgams to minimize mercury exposure to the patient and to the doctor and staff as well. Some health care practitioners are very particular about how you are treated and want to make sure that you are treated in a way that will augment rather than detract from your course of treatment at their office.
You will doubtless pass a lot of dentists on the way to my dental office, many will be very good ones. The fact that I am a “known quantity” just takes some of the variables out of the picture. If you end up with a filling or crown that is not biocompatible with your system, it is even more inconvenient and expensive to have the restoration done over than to do it optimally the first time.
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What do you do for sleep problems like snoring or sleep apnea?
We use computerized testing apparatus and cephalometric x-rays to examine airways. We then counsel on options for treatment of your condition. Treatment includes diet, exercise, various types of appliances and sometimes referral to other professionals.
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What is laser periodontal surgery, and why does it hurt so much less?
First it is much less invasive that traditional flap surgery. The laser conditions the gums, kills bacteria, and combined with physical debridement (cleaning) the tooth surface is conditioned to more readily receive attachment of the gum tissue.
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