Will I really get mercury poisoning if I don't have all of my silver fillings replaced?

No. This is one of those issues that the press has blown entirely out of proportion. Numerous studies have shown that there is no danger. The mercury found in fillings forms chemical bonds with other substances in the filling. The result is both stable and safe. Silver fillings have been in use for more than sixty years. There is a massive base to study. If, in fact, these fillings were dangerous, millions of people would have shown symptoms going back decades. That is simply not the case.

There is a fraction of a percentage point of people who might be sensitive to silver fillings - just as they might be to silver earrings. They might also be allergic to some other component of the filling. Some people's bodies simply reject foreign substances of any kind. Chemical allergies are a reality in today's world.

If the silver filings are to be replaced the replacement substance must also be considered. All fillings are foreign substances to our bodies. All fillings are chemical compounds. There will be a tiny portion of the population that is allergic to virtually every chemical, and most natural, substances.

The position of this office is that if a patient feels they would like to have the silver fillings replaced, we will do so. If fillings are suspected as a possible cause for a problem removing them will either remove the problem or eliminate a possible cause thereby providing valuable assistance in the diagnostic process. We do replace a significant number each year, at the patient's request, for cosmetic purposes. For the vast majority, retaining the silver fillings is the safest approach until those fillings show signs of failure.

Our standard procedure is to use the composite resin tooth colored fillings on all front teeth and sides of teeth if they are visible. If requested, we will also use that material for biting surfaces but it does not have the strength and longevity of the silver fillings. Because every situation is unique, Dr. Lichtenfeld will discuss your options with you each time a filling is required.

Is bleaching safe?

Yes, at this point is is. The earlier products had a tendency to cause the teeth to become sensitive. Newer generations of products have decreased this risk significantly. Bleaching is not for everyone. There are may stains on which bleaching simply will not work. Caps can not be bleached. If you smoke, bleaching will remove the stains but they will come right back. Young people should not have their teeth bleached.

Societal standards today call for not just healthy, but sparkling white teeth. We understand this and do provide this service if it is appropriate for an individual. Since there are a great many factors that influence the outcome of this procedure, an individual evaluation is require to determine if you are a suitable candidate.

Do I really need X-Rays?

Contrary to what many people think, x-rays are a very useful and necessary diagnostic tool. Many times problems are not visible on the surface. If left untreated they can easily lead to much more serious, and more expensive, often very painful, problems. Depending upon your own physiology and overall dental health, you should have a full set of x-rays taken every three to five years. A pair of bite-wing x-rays should be taken annually.

Modern x-ray films allow x-rays to be taken with minimal, and very safe, exposure to radiation.

When should a child first be taken to the dentist?

Children aged three and up should receive dental checkups. There is an assortment of dental problems that might need to be corrected in early childhood to ensure healthy dental development. Early visits also familiarize your child with dental care and the dental office before it becomes necessary for them to undergo more extensive treatment. If a child's first experience with dental treatment is for a major procedure, they may well develop a fear of dental treatment that will follow them throughout their lives.

We believe that proper dental hygiene begins in early childhood. If good habits are started at an early age the chances are greatly improved for that individual to maintain solid, healthy teeth throughout their adult life. Technology in dentistry has come far enough so that a great deal of preventive dentistry can be practiced.

All children should be receiving fluoride. If you have well water we would like to discuss fluoride supplements for your child.