Mercury Removal for High-Risk Patients
While we know the importance of brushing, flossing, and maintaining proper oral health, there are times when pesky tooth decay creeps in and a cavity needs to be filled. If a cavity is ignored, it can cause bacteria to continue to grow, adding additional concerns and issues in your mouth. Dr. Odinsky uses a filling to seal the hole and eliminate any further damage to the tooth. As a holistic dental practice, we understand the negative impact mercury in amalgam silver fillings can have on your health. A recent statement from the FDA shares our concerns and explains the potential risk mercury fillings can have on certain high-risk individuals.
For over 100 years, amalgam silver fillings—a liquid mercury and metal alloy mixture composed partly of silver, tin, and copper—have been used in dentistry to fill cavities caused by tooth decay. If you have had a cavity filled by a former dentist at some point in your life, there is a good chance that an amalgam silver filling was used. The FDA has recently reported that certain groups may be at greater risk for developing harmful health effects due to the mercury levels found in amalgam silver fillings. High-risk individuals include:
- Women who are planning to become pregnant or are currently pregnant
- Nursing mothers
- Patients with existing neurological conditions such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease
- Patients suffering from kidney function issues
- Patients allergic to mercury or other metals included in the alloy mixture
The removal of a mercury filling should be discussed with our office. Dr. Odinsky strongly believes that no tooth with a mercury filling should be treated without following the stringent safety protocols of the SMART (Safe Mercury Amalgam Removal Technique) technique as defined by the IAOMT (International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology). If you are pregnant or nursing, we will create a plan for the optimal removal time.
If you have amalgam silver fillings and have any questions about replacing them, please contact our Fort Lee, NJ office to learn more or schedule an appointment. If you are interested in learning more about this topic, please read the article published by the FDA.
FDA Issues Recommendations for Certain High-Risk Groups Regarding Mercury -Containing Dental Amalgam
