D is for:

Dental materials are a fascinating subject. Multiple classes are usually dedicated to the subject in dental school and continuing educational courses. But the focus is on their properties, in the attempt to maximize the effectiveness, stability and longevity of these materials in your mouth.

My focus in the practice is to maximize longevity, cosmetics and bio-compatibility of the material used for any restorative dentistry. This means that you want your dental work whether a filling or crown to last a long time, years and even decades in some cases. You also want your dental work to look natural and not be visible when you talk or smile. You also want your dental work to be biocompatible or less stressful to the body. It is important because you don't want certain plastics or heavy metals leaking into your system over time.

For as much research and focus that is put on right use and application of dental materials, there is a noticeable void of attention put on the health issues and possible toxicological effects of dental materials used in your teeth. Dentists simply are not given much training into the possible systemic effects of what they are doing and implanting into the mouth and bodies of their patients.

A biocompatible testing lab called Clifford labs has done over ten thousand dental compatibility tests over the years and has recently compiled statistics of dental materials from all of their testing. A Clifford test can be an asset for someone who has sensitivity problems or weak immune systems. If you are in good health a Clifford test is usually not necessary, because we routinely use those dental materials that have been shown to be the most biocompatible.

According to Clifford labs there is a big difference in immune reactivity to different dental materials. As an example, when it comes to metals the ones that showed the least reactivity with the immune system were gold, platinum and titanium all showing less that 1% reactive with immune cells. Contrast that with heavy metals not used in dentistry but known to be toxic such as lead and cadmium at around 63-68% reactive. Finally there are metals that are used in dentistry that Clifford has determined to be the most reactive with immune cells of any of the metals. These are mercury and nickel.

Mercury is used in silver amalgam fillings and has been listed by the State of California as a toxic substance in the workplace. Nickel is used in orthodontic wires, bands and is sometimes in porcelain fused to metal crowns and crowns for baby teeth. Nickel is also listed by the State of California as a toxic substance which may lead to some forms of cancer. In California businesses that use these substances need to post a warning for their customers.

Correct application of dental materials is a science and art in itself and often times determines the success or failure of your dental work. Consult your dentist for your options and inform yourself. No one cares about the health of your family more than you do.

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