Safe Mercury Amalgam Removal

Mercury is considered toxic to our health. Although research studies have shown that mercury levels from amalgam fillings are not the direct cause of illnesses, concerns have grown over time.

In 1991 the American Dental Association carried out a survey to evaluate people’s concern about mercury input in their bodies.

Today, if you ask anyone whether they prefer to have their mercury fillings removed, most would certainly say, “Yes!”

This need for removing amalgam fillings grows stronger when we read, for example, that the number of silver fillings in our mouth is directly linked to mercury levels in our body. Research studies have also shown that mercury levels in our blood and urine decrease after a mercury filling removal.

Amalgam fillings, those silver-colored metal restorations that dentists have used for many years, contain mercury. There is evidence that points to the association between mercury exposure and several physical maladies. An amalgam filling will release mercury vapor every time pressure is applied to one, as in chewing. The vapor invades the bloodstream and is thought to cause or accelerate inflammation that is occurring in the bodies of some patients. Mercury has been associated with conditions such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and a lowered immune system, among others.

At BG Dental Wellness, we prioritize your overall health and well-being, which is why we avoid using mercury in any of our dental treatments. Mercury, commonly found in traditional dental amalgams, poses several potential health risks. It is a toxic substance that can accumulate in the body, leading to neurological and kidney problems. Additionally, mercury can vaporize and be inhaled over time, putting both patients and dental professionals at risk. As a holistic and biological dental practice, we use safer and biocompatible materials that align with our commitment to providing the highest standard of care for your overall wellness.

The challenge you face when you have your old silver fillings removed is you may ingest some mercury in the process.

Thus, the mercury can travel through your digestive track to the rest of your body, possibly affecting your immune system and increasing the level of heavy metal toxicity in your body.

As a result, you could suffer appetite loss, anemia, lower resistance to infection and other mercury related symptoms.

To address this issue proactively, in that the risk of mercury poisoning during the procedure is minimized, removing amalgam fillings involves a carefully planned procedure. Not only professional training is required, but also the use of unique technology:

SAFETY GLASSES

Safety glasses are put over your eyes to protect them.

OXYGEN

We have you breathe pure oxygen through a nasal cannula (tube). This will minimize your breathing the air right around your face, which is full of mercury vapor. Your nose will be covered with a dental mask to help keep the mercury vapor from going into your nostrils.

RUBBER DAM

A rubber dam or isolite will be placed over your mouth. This is a sheet of rubber that helps keep the mercury from going down your throat.

COLD WATER

Copious amounts of cold water will be constantly squirted on the filling as it’s being drilled out, to keep the temperature down. To decrease the amount of vapor, we section the fillings out in chunks as opposed to grinding it out. We use an electric drill for two reasons:

First, because it cuts so much more efficiently than an air turbine.

Second, because it turns at slower revolutions per minute, there is less heating of the tooth and less mercury vapor.

HIGH SPEED SUCTION DEVICE

A High Volume Suction device will be used. This suction pulls all particles away from the tooth as the filling is being drilled out.

CHARCOAL AND CHLORELLA

Powdered charcoal and chlorella are placed in your mouth under the rubber dam. Both these substances have the ability to absorb mercury particles before they get absorbed into your system.

MINIMUM DRILLING

The fillings will be taken out with as little drilling as possible, in as large chunks as possible, to minimize the amount of mercury vapor released into the air.

DENTAL MICROSCOPE & LOOPS

4x magnifiers to see minute details in the tooth will be used. This could include faint cracks and leaking crowns or fillings. The dentist can also make sure that the new crown or filling fits perfectly. Trying to do this without magnification makes it harder to get perfect results. Problems areas in the gums are more visible under magnification than with the naked eye.

INDUSTRIAL AIR CLEANING SYSTEM

The treatment room has a powerful industrial air cleaning system which reduces the amount of mercury vapors.

The VOC Emissions and Infection Control Air Purifiers are highly specialized air cleaning systems that are designed to control Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) and microbiological contaminants and odors.

It removes airborne particles from less than 0.01 micron to over 250 micron in diameter. This includes contaminants such as bacteria and spores, such as E. Coli, Listeria monocytogenes, Bacillus thuringensis and Staphylococcus aureus.

Other particles such as pollens, dust, smoke, hydrocarbons and vapors of heavy metals such as mercury vapor are also effected by the Air System.

As a patient, you must take into account that you need to have your mouth thoroughly examined before starting any dental treatment. This initial exam typically includes x-rays, intraoral pictures, and dental and medical history.

So when it comes to mercury filling removal, your dentist will carry out a comprehensive exam to determine a couple of things such as:

• the number of silver fillings you need to have removed

• the size of your mercury filling or fillings

• the location of your metal fillings

The fee for amalgam removal is roughly $290-$590 depending on the size of the filling. Teeth with large amalgam filling and recurrent decay may require a crown for replacement which would be an additional fee. Our amalgam removal dentist is trained and certified by the IAOMT in safe removal protocol. These factors will largely determine the cost of the procedure.

When a Simple Mercury Filling Removal Becomes a Headache…and Possibly a Money Pit

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For example, if your mercury fillings are in good shape, replacing them with composite material will include the cost of a regular filling.

However, if the amalgam filling is leaking, or has affected the health or composition of the tooth, or if there is some decay in or around it, costs can go up considerably.

There are cases when replacing your fillings will mean placing a crown or an onlay, as there would not be enough tooth structure to support a regular filling.

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So, when estimating the price of a safe amalgam removal procedure, you also need to take into account other factors such as:

• Is the silver filling so big that you need further restoration of your tooth?

• If so, what kind of restoration do you need: a crown, an inlay, onlay or just a regular composite filling?

All these aspects will regulate the cost of your amalgam removal procedure. Make sure you can talk openly with your dentist about about the prices of your treatment to know exactly how much you will be paying for the whole treatment.

Mercury is a chemical element present in water sources, in the air and in many of the foods we eat (especially seafood). It is everywhere.

However, it is the long-term contact with mercury what makes it extremely dangerous. Too much contact with this metal may be harmful to your health and lead to symptoms such as anxiety, bad temper, memory loss, headaches, and weakness.

In the field of dentistry, amalgam fillings (a mixture of copper, silver, tin and about 50% mercury) have been widely used. They are strong and low cost. However, with advances in technology and materials, today the tendency to avoid metal fillings has grown (it is now also avoided in pregnant women and children under 6).

For a biological dentist, for example, it is much more convenient to work with more natural and aesthetic materials, such as tooth-colored composite resin. These holistic doctors prefer to work with non-toxic and more biocompatible materials.

Many people who decide to have their silver fillings removed value the benefits of getting rid of mercury. Removing these silver fillings will:

• Avoid growing exposure and contact with mercury. Overtime, mercury vapors are released when we chew gum or eat hard foods such as grains.

• Give patients a “peace of mind” effect. People feel at ease when they know their mouths are free of toxic elements.

• Replacing silver fillings by natural looking composite fillings carries great aesthetics benefits. Patients will no longer feel self-conscious about the look of their smile.

• Some people who have experienced symptoms related to mercury poisoning will probably see them disappear or considerably reduced.

Again, it all depends on your needs and wants. If your metal fillings are worn, cracked, or if there is severe decay beneath the metal filling, then you should definitely get them removed.

If your old fillings are fine, but you want to avoid the effects of mercury on your health, then you should get a mercury filling removal. Mercury amalgams release some amount of mercury in the form of vapors.

This happens specially during brushing, chewing, grinding or drinking hot liquids, and in placement or removal procedures.

So if you decide to have your mercury fillings out, make sure you contact the right dental office.

It’s important to know that some dentists specialize in safe amalgam removal. They are trained to provide you with the safest treatment possible.

After the removal of mercury fillings your dentist has to restore your tooth back to its form and function.

Filling the spaces left by the removed amalgam is the next step.

Depending on the size of the filling and the condition of the treated tooth, restoration options will vary.

They may range from a simple composite filling to a full restoration, such as a dental crown.

That is why materials and the kind of restoration you get will vary according to your particular situation. Compatibility tests allow holistic dentists to evaluate the materials which will best suit your oral needs.

All in all, if you decide to have mercury fillings removed, make sure you opt for the right dental office. Pick a well-trained Professional team that performs the amalgam filling removal under safety measures. After all, what you want is to minimize the risk of metal toxicity in your body and restore your teeth health, appearance and function.

A: At BG Dental Wellness and Cosmetic Center, we follow holistic and biological dental practices to ensure patient safety. Amalgam fillings contain about 50% mercury, sparking safety debates due to mercury being a neurotoxin. Studies suggest mercury vapor from these fillings can harm the nervous system, kidneys, and immune system. Therefore, we recommend mercury-free alternatives like composite resin or ceramic fillings, which are safer and blend naturally with your teeth. If you’re worried about mercury fillings, schedule a consultation for safe removal and replacement options.

https://iaomt.org/resources/dental-mercury-facts/