My son has a cavity. I told the dentist I wanted to get him a mercury-free filling, but the dentist said children can’t really have those. If I went to a mercury-free dentist would they give him a white filling? I don’t really want to put a known toxin in his body, even though I do realize the ADA says they’re safe.
Carlee
Dear Carlee,
First, your dentist is wrong. Children can have white fillings done. Though, admittedly it’s harder for some children than others. The issue your dentist is probably concerned about is the white composite fillings have to be kept completely free from moisture during the process. For some children, it’s hard to sit still and accomplish that.
That doesn’t mean it’s impossible. For the wiggly ones, even the mildest dental sedation, like nitrous oxide, will usually relax them enough to put them to sleep. It’s perfectly safe and enables them to get the mercury-free fillings you want him to have.
It’s Okay to Want Mercury-free Fillings for Your Child
You’re right that the American Dental Association says that amalgam fillings are perfectly safe. But, that doesn’t mean you’re overreacting by wanting to keep harmful substances as far away from your son as possible. We lock our cleaning cabinets. We put guard rails on their beds. It only makes sense to want to keep mercury out of their bodies.
You want a dentist who’s going to take your concerns seriously and either have the knowledge to give you the proper treatment procedure or be willing to do the research. You don’t seem to have that dentist.
In your place, I’d look for a dentist who does free second opinions. That way you can bring in your son’s x-rays and talk to him about your concerns.
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