Oral Health Topics

Mercury-Free Environmental Solutions

As your source for oral health education, our office knows how important it is to provide our patients with information about oral health issues that can affect their overall health. One of those oral health issues has to do with the mercury that is released from amalgam fillings.

Why Mercury-Free?

The use of silver amalgam fillings, which contain mercury, has been the standard practice in American Dentistry for many decades. Dental schools still teach such use, and the official position of the American Dental Association (ADA) is that the use of mercury is safe.

However, questions continue to be raised about the safety of mercury, resulting in controversy and ongoing debate. More and more dentists are choosing not to put mercury fillings into their patients’ teeth. In fact, three countries — Norway, Sweden and Denmark — have banned the use of these fillings in dental practices.

Several years ago, Dr. Webb chose to stop using mercury amalgam fillings in her practice. She offers a variety of mercury-free options for fillings, crowns, and inlays.

Safe Mercury Amalgam Removal

We offer and follow the approved protocol for removing existing mercury amalgam fillings, established by the International Academy of Oral Medicine. Becoming a mercury-free and mercury-safe dental practice was Dr. Webb’s decision, but she believes that removing and replacing existing amalgam fillings must be each patient’s choice. Dr. Webb will be happy to discuss this with you further.

Gum Disease and its Effect on Overall Health

Dr. Tom McGuire covers the critically important relationship between oral and overall health in detail in his books and on his website: www.dentalwellness4u.com

Sleep Disorders

Snoring is common in adults. As one ages, it becomes more prevalent. But often, the person who snores is not the only one affected. Family members, and especially spouses, who are subjected to loud and disruptive snoring night after night, are also affected physically and emotionally.

The individual who snores may also be risking the development of serious physical problems that can be life-threatening, such as sleep apnea. To learn more about sleep disorders, click on the appropriate link.

Snoring Sleep Apnea

TMJ (Temporo-Mandibular Joint) Disorders

Wikipedia states that TMJ disorder is an umbrella term that covers acute or chronic inflammation of the temporomandibular joint, which connects the lower jaw to the skull. The disorder and resultant dysfunction can result in significant pain and impairment.

Because the disorder transcends the boundaries between several health-care disciplines — in particular, dentistry, neurology, physical therapy, and psychology — there are a variety of quite different treatment approaches. The Internet is full of definitions but we believe the best one to start with is Dr. Wes Shanklands. Click here to access this information.