Researchers in Portugal and the U.S. followed 507 children who received silver fillings, called amalgams. After a seven year period, the children’s rates of neurological symptoms showed no difference when compared to those who received resin based fillings.
Why Silver Fillings Were Considered Dangerous
Silver fillings are made of a combination of metals including mercury. Over time small amounts of mercury vapor are released. With mercury poisoning being known to damage the central nervous system and kidneys, consumer groups have been against using silver fillings to treat cavities for years.
While the possibility of neurological symptoms including tremors, vision problems, hearing deficits and coordination problems have caused consumer groups, dentists and lawmakers to call for a ban on silver fillings, an advisory panel to the United States government recently said that silver fillings are generally safe and more studies are needed into certain unanswered questions. The American Dental Association continues to maintain that the fillings are safe and should be an option for patients.

Your Choice For Treating Fillings

While silver fillings may be the best choice for treating some common dental problems such as cavities located on molars, Drs. Leff, Weiss, Waldee and Associates continue to use the latest techniques and new materials as they become available.
SOURCE: Journal of the American Dental Association, February 13, 2008.

Are your gums putting you at risk for heart disease?
One study conducted at the University of Minnesota concluded that 85 percent of heart attack patients had suffered from periodontal disease.1
Are you at risk?
The mouth is not only a porthole to the body but it is the body’s best indicator of overall health. The gums (periodontal disease) when inflamed have been linked to heart disease, stroke, diabetes and respiratory problems. Researchers believed the bacteria that causes periodontal disease can come loose and move throughout the body due to tasks as common as brushing, flossing or chewing. It was found that the worse the infection a patient has, the more likely the bacterial are to become loose from these tasks and enter the bloodstream.
If the bacteria enters the bloodstream it can travel to your arteries and irritate them just as it affects your gums. This could cause arterial plaque to build up and result in hardening and affect blood flow. This plaque can also come loose and travel to other parts of the body such as the brain.

What you can do to protect yourself?

You can help prevent gum disease by brushing and flossing your teeth on a daily basis, limiting between meal snacks and visiting your dentist on a regular basis. Your dentist may even give you a special rinse before having a dental procedure to help neutralize any bacteria and maintain a healthy mouth.

Contact Drs. Leff, Weiss and Waldee today to protect your overall health at 954-424-6500.

There are many steps that the office of Drs. Leff, Weiss, Waldee and
Associates take to prevent the spread of infection. We follow the
guidelines for infection-control issued by the Center of Disease Control
and Prevention.
Handwashing & Using Gloves – The doctors, dental assistants and dental
hygienists wash their hands and put on fresh gloves before starting
all treatments.
Protective Clothing – The doctors, dental assistants and dental hygienists
wear protective clothing such as face shields, eye goggles, masks and
lab jackets while they provide treatment.

Dental Hand Pieces – All dental hand pieces and instruments are disinfected
and heat sterilized after each use.
Disposable Items – Many of our dental materials such as gloves, masks, wipes,
suction/water tube tips, needles and scalpel blades are used only once
and then disposed of in order to maintain a clean and safe office.
Waste Materials – Needles and other sharp items are disposed of in special
puncture-proof containers. Other contaminated waste is disposed of in
special bags.
All patients should take notice of the above precautions we take at the office
of Drs. Leff, Weiss, Waldee and Associate when they come in for their
dental appointments!

Nearly 20 percent of the U.S. population has some type of disability,
with approximately 12 percent of the population considered severely
disabled. The provision of dental care to such patients requires
consideration beyond routine approaches.
At the office of Drs. Leff, Weiss, Waldee and Associates we have
established a relaxing treatment environment that can be used to
accommodate special-needs patients in the general dental practice as
opposed to referring them for dental treatment in the hospital.
Special-care dentistry is the delivery of dental care tailored to the
individual needs of patients who have disabling medical conditions
or mental or psychological limitations that require consideration
beyond routine approaches.
Care for special-needs patients requires dental skills that are up to date.
The doctors and staff at the office of Drs. Leff, Weiss, Waldee and
Associates regularly enroll in and attend continuing education classes
and seminars throughout the year.
Please call our office 954-424-6500 if we can be of assistance to someone
who is entrusted with the care and well being of a special-needs patient.

Regular dental check-ups are a necessary part of your overall health.
Dental ailments can cause everything from bad breath and tooth loss
to more serious health problems such as infections and cancer. The
following problems can be prevented and/or treated by visiting your
dentist on a regular basis:
Gingivitis – mild inflammation of the gums indicated by bleeding during
brushing and flossing.
Gum Disease – inflammation and/or infection of the gums and bone that
support the teeth. This is the major reason for teeth to shift, loosen
or fall out.
Periodontitis – the most serious state of gum disease where plaque has
spread to roots causing infection and destroying the bone and gums that
hold teeth in place.
Plaque – a sticky, colorless film of bacteria which covers the teeth. The
bacteria converts sugars and starches into harmful acids that attack
tooth enamel, breaking it down and causing cavities.
Abscess – a very serious dental condition consisting of a pocket of pus
which has formed at the tip of teeth roots and can lead to more serious
infections if not addressed with immediate treatment.
Bad Breath – an unpleasant odor caused by leftover particles of food collecting
bacteria between the teeth, on the tongue and around the gums. Brushing,
flossing and proper cleaning of dentures can help prevent this condition.
Make an appointment with the sedation dentist of Fort Lauderdale or give us a call at 954-424-6500