Theriot Family Dental

Lafayette Mercury-Free Dentist

Mercury is the single largest ingredient in amalgam (silver) fillings. They are called amalgam because they are a mixture, or amalgam, of mercury and metal.

There has been a lot of research regarding the safety of mercury in amalgam fillings. Many dentists agree that they pose no danger to patients, though some studies have shown that chewing on amalgam fillings can release mercury vapor in small amounts.

Dr. Theriot prefers to use mercury-free fillings. These white fillings, called composites, are more natural looking and can be gentler on your teeth. They will not conduct cold and hot like metal will. Also, white composite fillings bond directly to the teeth, strengthening the overall tooth structure more than amalgam.

The before-and-after photos below show the results you can expect with mercury-free composite fillings.

Lower molar teeth with amalgam fillings, which contain mercury
BEFORE
Lower molar teeth with amalgam fillings replaced by a mercury-free dentist
AFTER

 

Most of our patients want their teeth to look natural, even in the back of their mouths. Amalgam fillings initially appear silver in color and eventually turn black, while composite fillings remain looking more like your natural tooth color.

Yes, Dr. Theriot is a mercury-free dentist.