My son is getting older and just got his first cavity. He’s nine years old currently. I love my dentist and all my family has seen him since I was a child, but he doesn’t do white fillings. He also said there aren’t many dentists who will. If I went to a mercury-free dentist would they see children?
Carolyn I.
Dear Carolyn,
Amalgam Fillings
Mercury-free White fillings
While it used to be difficult to find a dentist to give a child a composite white filling, it’s now becoming more and more common. The reason for the change is more dentists are becoming skilled in placing them.
It is true that it’s a bit more challenging to place them on children, but that’s mostly because they tend to be more wriggly. For composite fillings, you need to keep the bonding material completely dry during the process or the bonding can fail. When they’re wiggling that’s hard to do.
As to whether a mercury-free dentist will treat children, that’s a preference issue. There are general dentists who enjoy treating children and general dentists who don’t. If their website says they treat children, they’d be happy to give your son a composite filling.
Because of the unique challenge with keeping it dry, they may suggest sedation dentistry. A lot of that depends on the ability of your son to sit calmly. If it’s his first filling, he’ll likely be a bit nervous. At the least, a little nitrous oxide will relax him so he’s not frightened. They will need to numb the area with a shot. As his mother, you’re the best judge of what will help him most.
Why You May Be Better Served With a Mercury-free Dentist
I understand loyalty and am in great favor of it. He’s served your family for many years. That is great. For your son, however, you may want to make a switch, at least in his case. Here’s why.
There are many advances in dentistry and it doesn’t sound like your current dentist is keeping up with them. Your son will have a better experience and quality of life with a dentist who works hard to keep up with his profession.
This blog is brought to you by Dr. Susan Dennis.