Mercury Filling Removal in Encinitas

Mercury is a known neurotoxin. Silver fillings (amalgams) release low levels of mercury vapor.

Silver fillings are made form a mixture of silver, tin copper, mercury, and a trace of zinc.

Mercury is a known neurotoxin that can cross the blood-brain barrier.

Silver fillings (also known as amalgams) release low levels of mercury vapor into the body.

High levels of mercury vapor exposure are associated with adverse effects in the brain and the kidneys.

Scientific studies concerning the safety of mercury fillings (amalgams) are conflicting and controversial.

Clinical studies regarding the dangers of mercury in amalgams are ongoing. The vast majority of clinical research performed thus far suggests that (all things being equal) amalgams are for the most part – safe.

However, the interpretation of data is somewhat conflicting and controversial, and the exact amount of mercury released is dependent on a number of factors with the individual (see below).

Norway, Denmark and Sweden have banned the use of mercury in dental amalgams.

The current ADA and FDA position is that amalgam is safe.

It’s important to note that the current position of both the ADA and FDA is that amalgams are safe to use.

As of 2010, 50% of dentists were still using dental amalgams.

It’s also true that over a lifetime, dietary sources of mercury are much higher than that emitted from amalgams.

However, while the majority of clinical studies suggest that amalgam is safe, the interpretation of data from these studies is somewhat conflicting and controversial, and the exact amount of mercury released is dependent on a number of factors with the individual.

The amount of mercury released from amalgams can vary by individual, and is largely dependent on a number of factors, including:

• the number of fillings in the mouth
• the number of carbonated drinks consumed
• the grinding of teeth
• how old the fillings are
• whether or not the fillings are intact

The danger, it can be argued, is that mercury exposure from amalgams can be cumulative. In other words, it can add up over time.

We all should have the ability to excrete mercury through our urine, or hair. Some individuals can not properly clear this toxin, and accumulation over time can lead to lasting and destructive effects.

Since the amount of mercury exposure from amalgams varies from person to person; the actual levels of exposure for any individual is dependent on a number of factors. This is one area where more clinical research needs to be performed.

The metal in amalgams can expand and contract, and over time, this can contribute to weakened and cracked teeth.

Silver mercury fillings expand and contract with chewing and temperature much differently than the flexible enamel that surrounds them. Over time, this can lead to fractures in the enamel.

If the tooth with the amalgam is significantly fractured, it’s a good time to have the filling removed. Fractures can extend deeper into the tooth, leading to pain, crowns, root canals or the complete fracture of the tooth – leading to extraction. Additionally, the amount of mercury vapor released by an exposed or cracked amalgam is significantly higher.

Amalgams can be replaced with a strong bonded resin or porcelain, before they cause damage to your enamel or fracture the root.

Over time, much like a new shiny penny that can corrode and turn dark, a silver filling can start to corrode in the mouth.

When the patient and dentist jointly choose to have amalgams removed, this is done for a variety of reasons:

• For some, it’s a cosmetic decision.
• Sometimes it’s practical: the tooth with the filling has fractured.
• Some have allergies to mercury or other metals in amalgam.
• Some have done their own homework and are adamant about removing the mercury.

It’s important to have an informed discussion with your dentist about the removal of amalgams.

If the mercury is not properly removed by a trained dentist, often the patient will swallow mercury and inhale its vapor at an effect of 100 times that if it was left alone.

Not all dentists are qualified to remove mercury, In fact, over 95% of dental offices do not have the equipment necessary for proper removal.

A properly trained dentist places a non-latex rubber dam as a protective sheath over the tooth, preventing swallowing. In addition, high volume suction and a mercury vapor vacuum system must be used in order to prevent exposure to the mercury vapor during the removal process.

Recently a survey showed that 50% of general dentists no longer use amalgam and now call themselves mercury-free. However, this is a misnomer, as many dentists will use this term simply because they no longer believe that amalgam was as good of a filling material when compared to the newer composites and porcelain restorations.

Mercury-safe dentists have specialized equipment, training, experience, and skills necessary to minimize their patients’ exposure to mercury during amalgam removal.

Additional training from the International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology and the International Academy of Biological Dentistry & Medicine provides an education on mercury toxicity as well as the protocols for specialized removal. More and more patients are seeking dentists who will protect themselves and their patients from excessive and unnecessary exposure to mercury vapor and want to ensure their dentist is not just mercury-free, but mercury safe!

Dr. Vane has specialized training in safe mercury removal, from both the International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology and the International Academy of Biological Dentistry & Medicine.