Bio-compatible Dentistry in Woodland Hills, CA
Dr. Mike Salekian and the whole team at West Hills Smiles near Woodland Hills, CA are ardent supporters of bio-compatible dentistry. The main idea behind bio-compatible dentistry is that toxic, unnatural materials should be avoided at all costs, especially when these products have a negative effect on our dental and physiological health.
Why Bio-compatible Dentistry?
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 Woodland Hills, CA believe this same attention should be paid to what’s used in dental work.
Amalgam Fillings and Mercury Content
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?
Bio-compatible Fillings
West Hills Smiles near Woodland Hills, CA 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.
Should I Have My Fillings Replaced?
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 Woodland 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.
Amalgam Replacement in Woodland Hills, CA
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!
What Our Patients Think
The overall quality of your dental experience is very important to us.
This is THE place to go for your dental needs. You walk in and see their beautiful lobby that has a really big and soothing aquarium. They offer you snacks and drinks and the front desk girls always have a smile on their faces. The rooms are gorgeous! They even have those little cameras that take pictures of your teeth so you can see them (that was helpful because I had a crack on my tooth that I didn’t think it was a big deal until I saw it with the camera, ew!). The doctors are amazing. They didn’t try to sell me any treatment, but told me that their job was to educate me about oral health and my options, so I didn’t feel any pressure to proceed with anything I wasn’t comfortable with. I will come here for the rest of my life!
Just had work done by Dr. Mike Salekian today and was so impressed with how smoothly everything went!!!! I am usually terrified of the dentist (especially the numbing shots) but Dr. Mike was so gentle I honestly didn’t even feel him numbing me. He was very thorough at explaining everything so I felt comfortable the entire time. He is a very compassionate guy and truly cares about his patients. The assistant, Chris, is amazing too!! I highly recommend going to see them for any of your dental needs! You’ll be happy that you did! The front office is very accommodating when it comes to utilizing your insurance and making sure things are good on the financial side.
Recently, I was told I would be seeing a new dentist, Dr. Mike,by the excellent staff at West Hills Smile. After the first visit, I found Dr. Mike incredibly kind and very knowledgeable. We proceed with the treatment plan, and Dr. Mike continuously checked in while he was doing the procedure. Everything went fine, and it felt quick and painless. With the excellent care I received by Dr. Mike and continued support of the already great staff, I recommend this office. In my experience the staff is just as caring and willing to work with you as well. They go above and beyond, and really want to hear from you before a plan is in place, during your visit, and afterward if anything should pop up.