Do You Know Where Your Dental Restorations Came From?
Unregulated dental products imported from overseas could pose a public health threat.
According to the National Association of Dental Laboratories, about 40 percent of the crowns, bridges, and dental implants placed in American patients’ mouths may now be coming from overseas.
Unfortunately, this may be one case in which the global economy isn’t really helping to make the market better. Many dentists are concerned that products made by top exporters like Mexico, Costa Rica, the Philippines, and China may not be of the same quality as those made domestically. One concern is that any metals present in restorations made overseas could contain lead, which obviously is not safe for placement in the mouth.
However, the problem is really not just limited to imported dental products. The FDA does not regulate dental restoration products, and most states have no regulatory standards for dental labs. In these states it is actually more difficult to start a barber shop than a dental lab—at least from a bureaucratic standpoint.
So how can you protect yourself from unregulated dental products?
Make sure you trust your restorative dentist.
As long as you are working with quality restorative dentist, you should be able to rest assured that they are working with a reputable dental lab. This means the lab will:
- Be certified by an industry trade association
- Ensure all restorations are made from quality materials that will not threaten your health
- Offer holistic (metal-free) dental restorations
- Utilize the latest tools and technology to produce top-quality restorations
- Provide restorations that are extremely likely to fit right the first time
- Fulfil orders quickly so patients can get their restorations placed ASAP
Why Trust California Dental Group
Of course, the quality of the dental lab is only half of the equation. In order for the lab to produce a high-quality restoration that will fit properly and look natural, they must be given accurate information by the dentist.
At California Dental Group, we use an iTero digital scanner to create the specs for all restorations. The scanner is not only more comfortable for patients than the traditional molds and trays, but also far more accurate. We work with an excellent dental lab that is able to utilize these digital impressions to consistently deliver quality restorations for our patients that fit perfectly the first time.
If you have any questions about the quality of our dental lab feel free to ask your restorative dentist.