Mercury Safe vs. mercury free

Dentists who have stopped placing amalgam fillings are often referred to as "mercury free". This is really a misnomer, since any dentist who replaces an amalgam filling with another material is still dealing with mercury. A more important distinction is how well the patient is protected when the amalgam filling is replaced. Is the dentist "mercury safe"? Yes, Dr. Colpitts has been mercury free since 1998 and is mercury safe. Unsafe amalgam removal can clearly expose the patient to potentially harmful levels of mercury. Dr. Colpitts is quite concerned that the vast majority of dentists are not, in fact, mercury safe.

Dr. Colpitts has successfully gone through the IAOMT (International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology) Accreditation program and demonstrates safe practice following their protocols of mercury removal. As the public becomes more aware of the potential exposure to mercury during dental procedures, they are increasingly looking for mercury safe dentists as found at Sierra Crest Dental.

Environmental Friendly

Sierra Crest Dental is all digital. Both our intra oral and extra oral panoramic X-rays are digital. Radiation exposure has been reduced by over 60% as compared to conventional film X-rays. Digital X-rays do not need the toxic developing solutions that conventional film X-rays do. So, we don't need to worry about how to dispose of the solutions. Even our intraoral video cameras are digital.

We are also chartless. This should save a few trees.

Sierra Crest Dental is latex free. As more people are experiencing latex sensitivity we chose to switch our gloves and dental dams to vinyl.

At Sierra Crest Dental we have an effective amalgam separator installed, not required by law, but Dr. Colpitts believes in protecting our beautiful environment. This prevents mercury and heavy metals from entering our sewer system, and possibly the Truckee River.

Biocompatible Material Choice

Dr. Colpitts uses the most biocompatible materials and procedures that are available. We do not use amalgam (mercury) fillings. Instead, we use composite resin, gold or porcelain. If a patient has significant allergies, sensitivities, or other concerns a simple Biocompatibility Test can be done to determine the best possible dental materials for the patient. When needed, Dr. Colpitts can facilitate consultation with Clifford Consulting and Research for specific material testing.

Oral Systemic Link

Over the past several years, more and more evidence has mounted that inflammation is one of the most common contributors to a wide range of diseases, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer, and Alzheimer's. These are the diseases that kill most Americans and cause the greatest degree of suffering and medical expense. Therefore, anything that can reduce the level of inflammation within the body can be of a great value for resistance to disease and overall health.

Periodontal disease (gum and bone disease) is a terribly harmful source of inflammation. When the oral cavity is full of infection, as a result of periodontal disease, it spreads inflammation throughout the body. This sets up an environment for disease to develop.

Dr. Colpitts and his team have advanced education in diagnosing and treating all stages of periodontal disease.