MERCURY-FREE DENTISTRY

Our Austin office has been mercury-free for 21 years. We are the foremost leaders in Central Texas for setting the standard for proper, safe mercury removal. Dr. Griffin Cole, a long-standing member of the International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology, is extensively trained in mercury removal techniques and is highly skilled in placing non-metallic fillings, inlays and onlays.

Dr. Cole is a recognized leader in biologically based dentistry. His unique practice approach combines a patient-driven comprehensive evaluation with a prioritized treatment schedule. Through this process of “co-discovery”, each patient becomes actively involved in his/her examination and treatment.

The U.S. Public Health Service maintains that metallic mercury, the kind found in dental offices, is relatively safe.

However, with the ongoing debate surrounding the high levels of mercury present in amalgam fillings, it is becoming increasingly difficult to convince the public that mercury is a hazardous substance and must be treated and disposed of properly.

Dr. Cole follows a strict removal protocol, including a special vacuum system and a mercury filter that catches vapor during the filter removal process. Mercury separation, via a filtering tank system, prevents mercury from spilling into wastewater, thus reducing the effects of this element on the environment.

Mercury-Safe Dentistry

It is important to understand the difference between mercury-free and mercury-safe dentistry. A dentist can claim to be "mercury-free"...all he/she has to do is choose NOT to place mercury amalgam fillings anymore, and he/she is free to give himself that title. "Mercury-safe", however, is designated only for offices like ours offices that are trained in proper SAFE amalgam removal and replacement. There are only a handful of dentists in the state of Texas who can rightly claim this, with Dr. Cole being the only one in Austin. As a Fellow in the International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology, Griffin Cole has proven his proficiency in mercury-safe dentistry, and continues to increase his knowledge in the field. Dr. Cole will achieve Board Certification in Naturopathic Medicine and Integrative Biologic Dental Medicine by mid-2010.