You may not realize that your dark, silver amalgam fillings are 50% mercury. In fact, a large filling can contain as much mercury as a thermometer. Mercury vaporizes easily at room temperature. Mercury vapor is odorless, colorless, and tasteless. Inhaled mercury vapor is readily absorbed into the bloodstream. The World Health Organization has concluded that dental fillings contribute more mercury to a person’s body than all other sources of mercury combined. In short, mercury is a powerful poison, and published research demonstrates that mercury is more toxic than lead, cadmium, or arsenic. Due to its cumulative effect, no amount of mercury vapor exposure should be considered harmless.
Mercury Removal
Facts about Mercury Amalgam Fillings
Mercury Amalgam Fillings in Dentistry
Dental amalgam has been used in dental fillings for over a century, and some dentists still use it today. Amalgam is a mixture of silver, mercury, tin, copper, and other trace metals. Mercury can enter your body in small amounts through amalgam fillings and harm your overall health. The alternative to amalgam fillings is composite fillings, which are mercury free. Composite restorations strengthen the tooth structure, while amalgam fillings often eventually lead to tooth fractures and cracks. Patients also prefer composite dental fillings because they are more aesthetically pleasing. Dark, silver amalgam dental fillings are quite noticeable, while tooth-colored composite fillings blend in with your smile’s natural appearance.
We are dedicated to your health and do not use any materials or products that contain mercury. In addition, our dentists and team have been trained in safe dental amalgam removal. We can often complete this treatment in just one office visit.
7 Critical Facts About Mercury and Your Health: Why You Shouldn’t Trust Just Any Dentist to Remove Your Old Silver or Mercury Fillings
- “Silver” amalgam fillings can be made up to 50% mercury.
- Mercury is the most TOXIC, non-radioactive element on the planet.
- Mercury vapor is dangerous because it is continuously emitted from dental fillings and accumulates in the body over time.
- Mercury can harm the immune, cardiac, respiratory, and digestive systems.
- Newborns may be at risk for learning disabilities because of mercury their mother absorbed during pregnancy.
- Mercury exposure has been linked to brain tissue damage similar to that seen in Alzheimer’s disease.
- Mercury fillings should only be removed by a dentist specifically trained and equipped for safe mercury removal to avoid further exposure.
IS THERE A CONCERN ABOUT MERCURY IN DENTISTRY?
The Environmental Protection Agency of New Jersey drafted a treatise on mercury toxicity, recommending that you should speak with your dentist about mercury in fillings and other dental restorations. Since Mercury is the most toxic, non-radioactive element on the planet, most medical and scientific researchers have called for a ban on its use in all products. The potentially harmful effects of mercury fillings, however, have been largely ignored by the U.S. government. While many European countries have banned or curtailed the use of mercury in dental fillings, our country lags behind in the decision. Amalgam is over 150 years old, and there are more modern alternatives to consider.
IS THERE AN ASSOCIATED HEALTH RISK WITH MERCURY?
Due to its poisonous nature, mercury can adversely affect the immune, urinary, cardiac, respiratory, and digestive systems. Under laboratory conditions, mercury has produced brain cell deterioration identical to that seen in people with Alzheimer’s disease. Mercury poisoning has been linked to serious health issues such as immune system suppression, multiple sclerosis, depression, chronic fatigue syndrome, and autism.
SHOULD I HAVE MY MERCURY FILLINGS REMOVED?
While the continuously emitted mercury vapor from dental fillings accumulates in the body over time, the damaging effects of this exposure may not manifest for years or even decades. Studies repeatedly show that even low levels of mercury cause measurable negative health effects. For example, mercury in the tissues of a fetus or infant correlates significantly with the number of dental amalgam fillings in the mother. Due to these findings, many physicians are testing their patients for mercury toxicity and referring them to biological dentists. Across scientific disciplines, health professionals are realizing that mercury can adversely impact patient health.
IS THERE A PROPER WAY TO REMOVE MERCURY FILLINGS?
The good news is that there is a way to prevent additional mercury exposure for patients with amalgam fillings. A biologic dentist who is properly trained in the removal of mercury fillings will follow amalgam removal protocols that include:
- Using an effective oral suction system to contain amalgam particles and limit mercury vapor
- Operating a vacuum system at optimal efficiency
- Applying ample amounts of water to the filling during removal
- Removing large portions of the amalgam so as to minimize particulate and mercury vapor release
- Providing a safe source of oxygen for the patient to breathe during removal
For more information about amalgam removal and the benefits of mercury-free dentistry, we welcome you to call or visit us today. To schedule an appointment and learn more about safe mercury removal, please call us at (201) 429-0097.
