Mercury-Free Fillings in El Paso: What You Should Know
If you have older silver-colored fillings — or if you are about to need a filling for the first time — you may have questions about your options. At Marquez Integrative Dental Care, we have offered mercury-free, composite restorations for many years. Here is a straight, balanced answer about what these materials are and why our practice uses them as our standard of care.
What Are Composite (Tooth-Colored) Fillings?
Composite resin fillings are made from a mixture of fine glass or quartz particles embedded in a durable plastic resin. They are placed directly in the tooth, shaped to fit, and hardened with a curing light. The result is a restoration that closely matches the natural color of your tooth. Modern materials are durable enough for use on back teeth, though the ideal material for any given situation depends on the size and location of the cavity, your bite pattern, and other clinical factors. Dr. Marquez evaluates each patient individually to recommend the most appropriate restoration.
What About Amalgam? Understanding the Conversation
Dental amalgam — the silver-colored alloy used in traditional fillings — contains a mixture of metals including mercury, silver, tin, and copper. The FDA, the American Dental Association, and other health organizations have stated that amalgam fillings are safe for most adults; however, the FDA has also recommended that certain groups — including pregnant women, children under six, and people with certain kidney conditions — avoid amalgam when possible.
At Marquez Integrative Dental Care, we do not use amalgam. Our approach is not based on a claim that existing amalgam fillings are dangerous for the average patient — that would overstate what the science says. Rather, our philosophy is that when a metal-free, tooth-colored alternative is available and clinically appropriate, it is the option we prefer to offer. If you have existing amalgam fillings and are wondering whether to replace them, we encourage a thoughtful conversation with Dr. Marquez — who can evaluate your specific situation. We do not recommend replacement purely for precautionary reasons without a clinical basis.
What Does “Biocompatible” Mean in Dentistry?
- Composite resin fillings — metal-free and tooth-matched
- Ceramic and porcelain restorations — used in crowns and veneers; no metal alloys
- CEREC same-day crowns — milled from high-quality ceramic; placed and finished in a single appointment
Biocompatibility is one consideration in material selection alongside durability, aesthetics, and clinical appropriateness. Our goal is to find the right balance for each patient.
Interested in learning more about your restoration options? Explore our restorative dentistry services, or contact our office at (915) 779-6403 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Alfred Marquez, DDS.