Toxic materials in traditional dental fillings—such as mercury-containing amalgam—can pose potential risks to both your oral and overall health. Many patients are unaware that these substances, while common, may have negative effects on the body over time. At West Hills Smiles, Dr. Mike Salekian and our dedicated team are committed to a safer, healthier approach through biocompatible dentistry. By avoiding harmful substances and prioritizing your safety, we ensure that every restoration not only looks great but also supports your long-term health. If you’re ready to protect your smile with safer, non-toxic dental care, schedule your visit with West Hills Smiles today.
Biocompatible dentistry is a modern approach that prioritizes your oral and overall health by using non-toxic dental fillings, safe materials, and techniques that are compatible with your body’s natural systems. Unlike conventional methods that may rely on mercury-containing amalgam or other potentially harmful substances, this approach uses BPA-free composite fillings, ceramics, and other safe dental fillings designed to protect your teeth without compromising your well-being. At West Hills Smiles, Dr. Mike Salekian and our team ensure every treatment is tailored to your needs, using materials that minimize the risk of allergic reactions or sensitivities.
Choosing biocompatible dentistry over conventional methods offers:
Potential symptoms from prolonged mercury exposure may include:
Amalgam fillings contain a mix of metals, including mercury, which may release vapors during chewing, grinding, or removal. Over time, this can contribute to systemic exposure and, in some cases, allergic reactions. While some authorities consider amalgam safe, many patients prefer to switch to safe dental fillings to avoid any risk of mercury-related issues.
Wondering what to expect from biocompatible dentistry? Here’s our step-by-step process:
Includes visual exams and digital imaging.
Ensures a pain-free experience.
Preserves as many healthy teeth as possible.
Using layered application for strength and precision.
For a smooth, comfortable, and natural feel.
If your existing amalgam fillings are worn, damaged, or causing sensitivity—or if you’re concerned about potential toxicity—it may be time to replace them with non-toxic dental fillings. Dr. Salekian will help determine whether immediate replacement is necessary based on your dental health and personal concerns.
At West Hills Smiles, we use only BPA free composite fillings and ceramics. When replacing old amalgam fillings, we follow strict safety protocols, including rubber dams, high volume suction, and air filtration, to minimize mercury exposure. This ensures your safe dental fillings not only protect your teeth but also support your overall health.
Ready to replace your old metal fillings with a safer, more natural looking solution? Contact West Hills Smiles today to schedule your consultation and learn how our biocompatible dental restorations can help you achieve a healthier, more confident smile.
Biocompatible fillings are safe dental fillings made from materials that work harmoniously with your body, such as BPA-free composite resin or ceramic. These natural tooth fillings avoid harmful metals like mercury and are designed to protect both your oral and overall health.
Non-toxic dental fillings offer several benefits, including:
Yes, if your amalgam fillings are damaged, causing sensitivity, or you are concerned about mercury exposure, replacing them with natural cavity fillings can be beneficial for your health and aesthetics. Dr. Salekian at West Hills Smiles can evaluate whether removal is the right choice for you.
No. We use gentle anesthesia to ensure the process is comfortable and virtually pain-free. Our team also follows strict safety protocols to minimize mercury exposure during removal.
Not all dentists use safe removal techniques. For your safety, it’s important to choose a provider trained in biocompatible dentistry protocols, such as those at West Hills Smiles, who use rubber dams, high-volume suction, and air filtration during the procedure.
If you’re looking for amalgam removal near West Hills, CA, West Hills Smiles offers expert, safe amalgam replacement with BPA-free composite fillings and other safe dental fillings.
High-quality composite fillings, when properly cared for, can last 7–15 years or longer. Their lifespan depends on oral hygiene, diet, and bite forces.
Expect a safer, more holistic dental experience. At West Hills Smiles, our process involves using non-toxic materials, minimizing removal of healthy enamel, and ensuring your comfort every step of the way.
Biocompatible dentistry vs. conventional methods comes down to the materials used. Traditional dentistry may use mercury-containing amalgam or metals, while biocompatible dentistry prioritizes natural tooth fillings and materials that reduce toxicity risks.
Booking is easy—call West Hills Smiles or use our online appointment request form to schedule your consultation. Our team will guide you through your options for safe, natural cavity fillings and provide a treatment plan tailored to your needs
Book an appointment for a consultation with our cosmetic dentists in West Hills, CA near Woodland Hills, CA today!
Our culture is increasingly aware of the additives and chemicals we introduce to our bodies—no matter if it is in our toiletries and makeup, the food we eat, or the air we breathe. The dentists here at West Hills Smiles and those who support bio-compatible dentistry in West Hills, CA believe this same attention should be paid to what’s used in dental work.
Right now, the primary concern of bio-compatible dentists is silver-colored amalgam fillings. These are about 50% mercury, an element that is well-known to be toxic. Doctors and scientists are aware that mercury leaks into the body through these fillings, though it’s not agreed on what the chemical’s effect is on the body. Nonetheless, dentists like Dr. Mike Salekian in Woodland Hills believe that there are more biologically-friendly alternatives that allow us to bypass mercury fillings altogether. After all, why risk introducing mercury into our bodies when we know it has a detrimental effect on the environment and in high doses?
West Hills Smiles presents many bio-compatible dentistry options that are favorable to mercury amalgam, both in terms of composition and performance. The first—composite resin—is a completely metal-free and tooth-colored filling that works perfectly for less intensive dental work, such as cavities. It bonds directly and quickly to the tooth, which allows for a quicker and less invasive application than the old amalgam fillings.
Secondly, Dr. Mike Salekian use porcelain ceramic restorations for teeth with more extensive damage. Both porcelain and composite resin have been found to be longer lasting than amalgam fillings. They also don’t carry the negative consequences of mercury fillings, including recurrent tooth decay and potentially tooth-cracking expansion over time.
The scientific community hasn’t reached a consensus on this issue yet. The FDA has currently rules that amalgam fillings are safe for those over the age of 6, though scientists (including the International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology) and some governments strongly dispute their use. The latter groups decry mercury’s effects on the environment and on the body (which many believe accumulates in our systems over time).
If your amalgam fillings currently show no sign of wear, West Hills Smiles won’t necessarily recommend replacement. Nonetheless, if you’re concerned about the future or current effects of mercury on your health, then the West Hills dentists here will gladly replace your fillings with a metal-free alternative. We can’t stand by bio-compatible dentistry techniques enough; they’re healthier, better for the environment, more aesthetically pleasing, and perform better on the whole. Because of this, West Hills Smiles also offers replacement as part of our anti-aging dentistry techniques, as many consider the amalgam fillings to be dated.
Your amalgam replacement procedure will be performed with the highest regard for your health and in our disposal techniques in order to not introduce unnecessary and harmful mercury into the environment. Proper suction and water use—as well as physical guards for dentist and patient alike—will offset any preventable introduction of mercury into the body.
As scientists continue to learn more about bio-compatible dentistry, the issues may cover more than amalgam fillings and their health effects. Your local West Hills dentist at West Hills Smiles, whether it’s Dr. Mike Salekian will always offer the most recent and healthiest bio-compatible materials possible. Simply call us at (818) 346 4303 to schedule your appointment today!