Clear the Mercury. Protect your health.

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Clear the Mercury. Protect your health. *

Do you still have amalgam fillings in your mouth? Did you know that these amalgam fillings contain mercury?

Mercury toxicity is a pressing health concern that has garnered significant attention in recent years. As one of the most toxic elements known to humans, mercury poses serious health risks, particularly when exposed to it over prolonged periods. One of the less-discussed sources of mercury exposure is dental amalgam fillings, commonly used to treat cavities. In this post, we will delve into the implications of mercury toxicity, how it relates to amalgam fillings, and what you can do to minimize your risk.

What is Mercury Toxicity?

Mercury toxicity occurs when mercury builds up in the body, leading to adverse health effects. Mercury exists in three primary forms: elemental, inorganic, and organic. Elemental mercury, often found in dental amalgam, is a liquid metal that can vaporize at room temperature, allowing it to be inhaled or absorbed through the skin. Chronic exposure to mercury can lead to neurological, gastrointestinal, and immune system disorders.

Symptoms of Mercury Toxicity

The symptoms of mercury toxicity can vary widely depending on the level of exposure and the form of mercury. Common symptoms include:

-Neurological Issues: Memory loss, tremors, mood swings, and cognitive decline.

-Gastrointestinal Disturbances: Nausea, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.

-Respiratory Problems: Difficulty breathing and persistent cough.

-Skin Reactions: Rashes, itching, and other dermatological issues.

*If you suspect mercury exposure, it is crucial to seek medical advice for proper diagnosis and treatment.

The Connection Between Mercury and Dental Amalgam Fillings

Dental amalgam has been a popular choice for filling cavities since the 19th century. It is a mixture of metals, including silver, tin, copper, and approximately 50% mercury. While amalgam fillings are known for their durability and cost-effectiveness, the presence of mercury raises concerns about potential health risks.

How is Mercury Released?

-Wear and Tear: Over time, amalgam fillings can wear down due to chewing and grinding. This wear can lead to the release of tiny mercury particles into the mouth.

-Temperature Changes: When exposed to hot or cold foods and beverages, amalgam fillings expand and contract. This thermal cycling can cause microfractures, which may release mercury vapor.

-Dental Procedures: The process of placing, adjusting, or removing amalgam fillings can also release mercury particles and vapor into the surrounding environment.

How can we restore teeth without using mercury?

Well, thankfully BPA-free composite material is now used for fillings which is made from a mixture of resin and glass particles, allowing for a tooth-colored restoration that blends seamlessly with your natural teeth. Composite fillings provide a more aesthetically pleasing option for patients looking to maintain a natural smile.

Advantages of Composite Fillings Over Amalgam Fillings

1. Aesthetic Appeal

One of the most significant advantages of composite fillings is their aesthetic appeal. Composite materials can be color-matched to your natural tooth shade, making them virtually invisible. This is particularly advantageous for fillings in visible areas, such as front teeth.

2. Bonding Strength

Composite fillings bond chemically to the tooth structure, providing additional support and reducing the risk of further decay. This bond enhances the overall strength of the tooth and can help maintain its integrity over time.

3. Less Tooth Removal

When placing composite fillings, dentists typically need to remove less healthy tooth structure compared to amalgam fillings. This conservative approach helps preserve more of your natural tooth, which is crucial for long-term dental health.

4. No Metal Sensitivity

Many patients experience sensitivity or allergic reactions to metals found in amalgam fillings, particularly mercury. Composite fillings eliminate this risk, making them a safer option for those with metal allergies or sensitivities.

If you or someone you know has existing amalgam fillings, please do not hesitate to contact us for more information.

In a previous post, we shared how mercury in amalgam (silver) fillings can affect the body and overall health. Today, we’d like to show you a solution: how we safely remove these fillings using the IABDM Safe Mercury Amalgam Removal Technique (SMART). This protocol is designed to protect both the patient and the dental team from mercury exposure during the process. Below, you’ll see step by step how we carry out this safe and effective method in our practice.

Amalgam Removal Step 1:

The patient’s mouth should be thoroughly flushed with charcoal, or similar adsorbent mixed with water for the patient to rinse and spit or swallow before the procedure.

Amalgam Removal Step 2:

To protect the patient’s clothing and hair, a full body (from neck to toe), impermeable barrier/drape MUST be utilized. Any clothing not covered should be thrown away. Sending the patient home with contaminated clothing will expose their washer/dryer and then their home to mercury vapor.

  • To protect the patient’s head, hair and neck, a full head/neck barrier/hood, MUST be utilized.

  • To protect the patient’s face, the face should be covered with an impermeable barrier/drape under/around the dam, leaving only a hole for the mouth.

  • To protect the patient’s eyes, eye protection shall be provided to the patient to prevent mercury vapor and particles from reaching the eyes.

Amalgam Removal Step 3:

Air for the patient to breathe

Air for the patient to breathe while the removal is being performed is MANDATORY (this will reduce inhalation of mercury vapors & particulate matter). These two ways are considered acceptable:

  • use of an external air source, or

  • oxygen delivered by a nasal mask.

Amalgam Removal Step 4:

A Dental Dam

  • A non-latex nitrile or polyisoprene dental dam MUST be correctly placed and properly sealed around the teeth with the amalgams being removed.

  • We suggest a dam sealer is used if needed.

  • A thin smear of HgX cream may be used on the dam after placement for added protection*.

  • Any exceptions for using a dam should be well documented. Note: the dental dam is somewhat permeable and does not prevent 100% of the mercury vapor from passing through. It prevents particulate and larger pieces of amalgam from accidentally being swallowed.