Conservative Dentistry: Repairing With Fillings Instead of Crowns
I think most dentists would tell you that the teeth in these photos would all need crowns, but with the right tech, you can do large fillings.
Without a doubt, the most controversial issue in dentistry today is that surrounding amalgams (silver fillings) – as amalgam contains mercury and releases mercury vapor into the body.
The goal on this page is to present a hype-free overview of the mercury issue.
A hallmark of Moonlight Beach Dental, Dr. Nicole Vane was one of the first dentists in Encinitas with specialized training to provide mercury filling removal safely, which is critical.
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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.
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 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:
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.
It is critical that mercury removal is done safely.
Up to 100x the amount of mercury vapor can be released during removal.
A special rubber dam is put in your mouth so you don’t swallow any mercury.
A suction system is specifically used for mercury removal.
This side-vents, so vapor and small particles that are a result of drilling get safely removed.
A special vacuum is also used so you don’t inhale mercury vapor.
A special vacuum is also used to prevent both patient and staff from inhaling mercury vapors.
At request, supplemental oxygen is available to patients.
Supplements can also be provided to help aid the body in it’s natural removal of mercury.
Plus, it looks good:
During your service, you will likely benefit from Moonlight Beach Dental’s use of ozone (a naturally-occurring inorganic molecule) to help kill bacteria in your teeth.
Ozone is an incredibly useful tool that reduces decay, thereby reducing your chances of a return visit due to bacterial infection.
Not every dentist has ozone. Some don’t even know about it.
During your service, you will likely benefit from Moonlight Beach Dental’s use of ozone (a naturally-occurring inorganic molecule) to help kill bacteria in your teeth.
Ozone is an incredibly useful tool that reduces decay, thereby reducing your chances of a return visit due to bacterial infection.
Not every dentist has ozone. Some don’t even know about it.
I think most dentists would tell you that the teeth in these photos would all need crowns, but with the right tech, you can do large fillings.
Moonlight Beach Dental has the ability, equipment and the experience to safely remove mercury fillings. This is important since the levels of mercury vapor created by this procedure frequently exceed the safety thresholds of several jurisdictions and agencies. Not every dentist is trained to remove mercury safely. In the photos below here, the mercury filling…
People are always wowed that we can do permanent dental work, quickly, in a single visit – and at the same time address fear with sedation. And they should be! Check out this guy who cracked a tooth but he had to leave the country in 2 days. No problem.
An old mercury filling cracked Jessica’s tooth below the gumline.
Another emergency dentist was unable to help her, then she came to Moonlight Beach Dental.
Check out this remarkable case from beginning to end!
Yesterday I removed this mercury filling.
Sometimes, the expansion and rigidity of old, large mercury fillings like this can cause fractures that can extend into the nerve (requiring a root canal) or down the root (requiring an extraction).
This photo illustrates how a small mercury filling fracture can end up cracking your tooth. As a metal, mercury can expand and contract in different temperatures. This, along with other pressures (biting, grinding of teeth during sleep, etc) can stress the tooth such that hairline fractures can start to appear, and then can propagate through the root.
The Mercury Tri Test is a take-home kit that tests for mercury in your blood, urine and hair.
Once you pick it up at Moonlight Beach Dental, you perform the test, and mail it to the lab yourself.
Blood can be drawn at your local lab of medical doctor’s office.
This video from Dr. Christopher Shade has more information about the Mercury Tri Test.
Before you elect to have your mercury fillings removed, the following questions will ensure your dentist is prepared for preventing the inhalation or swallowing of mercury – a “mercury safe” protocol:
These questions will help you select a doctor who is properly trained in mercury removal.
Dr. Vane can answer “yes” to all of these questions!
Not only are these logos pretty, they mean something to you:
A commitment to the ongoing education & advanced certifications that benefit your long-term dental health!