How can we help you?
We value the relationships we build with our patients. Any time you have questions about your care – or any other question related to dentistry – we want you to feel secure and confident asking us. No question is ever silly or stupid!
It's important that you understand the treatment we recommend and why we recommend it. We've found that patients who are informed about their care feel empowered – and usually have the best long-term results.
We've addressed some of the most common questions we hear in our office below. If your question isn't here or you'd simply like more information, don't hesitate to call our Chesterfield, MO dental office or email us using the secure online form on the Contact page of this website.
Composite Fillings
The idea that silver fillings contain mercury and are bad for your health has been a hot topic in the media and on the Internet. While it is true that silver fillings do contain mercury, the form of mercury that is in silver fillings is not a hazard to your health. Repeated testing by the CDC and the U.S. Department of Public Health has shown silver fillings to be safe, and no ill effects have been linked to the mercury in silver fillings.
Drs. Charles and Emily Hurley do not recommend removing a silver filling unless there is a true need such as decay or a crack in the filling. Silver fillings can be replaced with a tooth-colored filling upon a patient’s request, but you should be aware that most insurances will not cover the procedure due to it being considered cosmetic.
At our practice, we use tooth-colored composite fillings whenever possible. These fillings blend in beautifully with your enamel to the point where it is highly unlikely that even you would be able to spot the filling in your tooth! Tooth-colored fillings also require less removal of healthy tooth structure since they bond directly to the tooth and do not need us to create an "anchor" to mechanically hold the filling in place.
If you have any concerns about your fillings, please call our practice for an evaluation.
Even though your child will eventually lose these baby teeth, it is important to keep baby teeth healthy until the permanent teeth are ready to come in.
If we prematurely lose our baby teeth, it can delay eruption of our permanent teeth. Our baby teeth act as a guide for the adult teeth to properly erupt. Without our baby teeth, it is more likely that we will have crowding and misaligned teeth. To correct crowding or misaligned teeth, more expensive treatment, like orthodontics, will be required.
Even though we have the skills to treat many dental problems and excellent relationships with local orthodontists and other specialists, we would prefer to prevent problems from developing in the first place – a sentiment we are sure you share!
Fillings, or even crowns, on damaged baby teeth can prevent significant future treatment, which makes them worthwhile now.
If your child is complaining of a toothache or has had an accident that resulted in damage to a tooth (even if damage is only suspected!), please call our office to schedule an evaluation with one of our friendly, gentle dentists. Drs. Charles and Emily Hurley have experience treating children, and we take extra steps to make sure their experiences in our office are comfortable and even fun!