Dental amalgam, or silver filling material, is a mixture of mercury, silver, tin, and copper. The release of mercury in silver fillings is so small that it is much less than what patients are exposed to in food, air, and water. There are, however, other materials that can be used for restorations. These include gold, porcelain, and composite resins.

Fluoride is a compound of the element fluorine, which is found throughout nature in water, soil, air, and most foods. Fluoride is absorbed easily into the tooth enamel, especially in children’s growing teeth. Once teeth are developed, fluoride makes the entire tooth structure more resistant to decay and promotes remineralization, which aids in repairing early decay before the damage is visible.

Radiographs, or x-rays, help your dentist determine the presence or degree of periodontal disease, abscesses, cavities, and many abnormal growths such as cysts and tumors. They can help pinpoint the location of cavities that may not be possible to detect on a visual examination. Drs James and Bone are trained to prescribe radiographs when they are appropriate and will tailor the radiograph schedule to your individual needs.

Note: At James Family Dentistry, we use digital radiographs, which have 90% less radiation than conventional radiographs.