The "silver" fillings are 53% mercury and very toxic. Anyway, I also forgo the novocaine to the greatest extent possible. I wish I had known about paleo since day one and then we would not even have to worry about fillings. I'm also wondering how "paleo' the composite is as no one has ever given me a list of those ingredients. When they are putting in a filling they are always swabbing you with this or that substance and it makes me wonder, it smells horrific but you can hardly talk and it is too late anyway, they have already done it. When I take Larry in, I definitely do not let them do the fluroide nor any flavorings and next time I will not even let them use pumice on him. I"m hoping he will have no more fillings as he is on paleo... My gums are very healthy from paleo. I think high carb/SAD diet makes your gums chronically inflamed and puffy.