Biocompatible/Mercury Free Dentistry Specialist

What is biocompatible dentistry?

Biocompatible dentistry is a dental philosophy aimed at providing dental care that improves your smile while also being healthy for the rest of your body. Whole body health and ensuring that your dental care is holistic are the foundations of Dr. Yoo’s practice.

Whenever Dr. Yoo uses a foreign substance in dental treatments, whether it be for fillings, crowns, or dental implants, he encourages his patients to take a Clifford Material Reactivity Test, a simple blood test that can determine the materials best suited for use with your body’s particular functioning. Dr. Yoo’s dental team includes a phlebotomist to ensure your blood test is done safely.

Once Dr. Yoo has determined what substances pose the least amount of risk for your system, he restricts his treatments to those materials. Biocompatible dentistry ensures that your body stays healthy as Dr. Yoo improves your smile.

What is the danger of using mercury in dental procedures?

Mercury used to be a popular material for dental procedures, particularly for fillings. Mercury, however, is one of the most toxic nonradioactive elements that we know of. It can have severely adverse effects on your digestive, respiratory, cardiac, urinary, and immune system. Some studies have shown that mercury can produce a deterioration of your brain cells similar to that seen in Alzheimer’s disease.

Dr. Yoo doesn’t use mercury in any of his procedures. In fact, Dr. Yoo can even remove any mercury fillings you might currently have to reduce your risk of mercury poisoning.

How do you safely remove and replace mercury fillings?

Dr. Yoo follows strict protocols when replacing your mercury fillings to avoid accidental exposure. 

First, he provides you with a mercury-free source of air so you don’t breathe in any of the mercury particles during your treatment. He also places an advanced vacuum system in your mouth during the procedure. This vacuum prevents any of the removed mercury from falling into your mouth. Finally, Dr. Yoo removes your mercury filling in large segments. This minimizes the potential for generating mercury vapor and tiny particles. 

Once he’s removed your mercury fillings, Dr. Yoo retreats your cavity with materials that are more biocompatible. Depending on the results of your Clifford Material Reactivity Test, he might suggest using porcelain, resin, or high-noble gold for your fillings.

To learn more about how biocompatible and mercury-dentistry can improve your smile and your overall health, schedule a visit today by calling the office or booking an appointment online.