Amalgam dental fillings have been widely used for more than 150 years. We should not assume this is proof of efficiency or of safety. When amalgam was first developed, the standard practice was also to perform surgery without sanitizing the hands first. We would not view this as practical or safe by today’s standards. Our doctors recognize that the use of this substance is antiquated, especially in light of healthier alternatives.
The issue with dental amalgam is the inclusion of mercury. Due to the toxicity of this natural element, health can be negatively impacted by just one mercury-laden filling. The risk for toxicity is present at all times, increasing when the filling material becomes heated. Chewing heats the amalgam and allows mercury to escape. Amalgam also gets heated when a filling is removed via drilling.
If you have amalgam fillings that you wish to have removed, we urge you not to rush into this process! If amalgam is not properly removed, large amounts of toxic mercury will be released into the body, creating an even bigger threat to your health. Mercury and other heavy metals are easily exposed to, but are very hard for your body to remove. Removal with a dental drill allows tiny particles of mercury vapor to escape directly into the mouth, where they can be inhaled and ingested. Our providers have been educated and properly trained on the safe removal of amalgam fillings. Following the protocol developed by members of the International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology, our doctors protect your health and the environment from mercury toxicity.
Some of the steps involved in the safe removal of mercury fillings include:
- Alternative air source via a comfortable nasal mask.
- Protective rubber sheeting around the tooth to keep tiny particles from reaching the surrounding tissues and being swallowed.
- High-volume suction is placed in close proximity to the operative area to catch particles and vapor.
- Precise “chunking” technique as opposed to drilling the whole filling out.
- High amounts of water are needed to keep the filling cool to reduce mercury vapor production.
- Immediate oral irrigation after the filling has been removed.
- Operatory air-purifiers placed on the chin during removal to remove mercury particulates from the air.
- Disposable gown to reduce the amount of amalgam debris on your clothing.
- Charcoal rinse is used as a precautionary step to help absorb any mercury
Amalgam is dangerous when used in a dental filling and even more so if not handled properly during removal. Trusted health and wellness expert Dr. Joseph Mercola attributes his own experience with kidney damage to a lack of awareness regarding the dangers of improper amalgam removal. He encourages individuals seeking amalgam removal to work only with a qualified dentist and to prepare their body for the optimal detoxification of mercury after care.
Removing amalgam fillings can change your health for the better. Learn more about our practice and our protocol in your consultation with our doctors.
