Early Childhood and Dr. Slade

I remember going to the dentist A LOT when I was growing up. Dr. Slade had a large children’s dentistry practice in Billings and was filled with kids of all ages. I didn’t mind going as there were cartoon posters on the ceilings to view and I was under the “happy nose” (nitrous oxide) every dang time. I believe my first filling was put in around age 7. At the time amalgam fillings were placed as they were cheap and easy to install.  

Amalgam fillings are a mixture of metals consisting of liquid (elemental) mercury and a powdered alloy composed of silver, tin, and copper. Yes, this is what those ‘ugly silver’ fillings are made of and this is what is put into our mouths… hazardous materials not meant for the human body.

I truly wish I could remember how I felt when the first amalgams were put in by my childhood dentist. Knowing what I know now, I’m sure I experienced some sort of reaction and illness.

Over time, my little mouth had many more fillings and at one point as an adult I had 17 fillings. Needless to say, dentistry has been a big part of my life.

(Note: over 50% of fillings continue to be amalgam. Do not accept this option!!  ALWAYS choose the composite option, otherwise known as the ‘pretty white’ filling.)