Safe Mercury Removal

In the early 19th century, mercury silver amalgams were introduced as a dental restoration. Even though mercury was known to be toxic, it was overlooked due to economic reasons. At the time, tooth decay affected a large number of the general population. Gold was an expensive material to use for dental restorations and an alternative was needed. Hence the rise of the “silver” filling.

This inter-metallic colloid or solid emulsion is made up of mercury, silver, copper, plus tin, zinc, trace elements. All “silver” dental amalgams are 45-55% liquid elemental mercury. Mercury has been called the most toxic non-radioactive element in nature. Mercury’s characteristics allow the alloy to form to make the silver in appearance.

There are thought to be benefits of amalgam fillings like strong and long lasting, least expensive, used for more than 150 years, and used for large tooth restorations. These are all overcome with composite resin except it takes longer to place and some increase in cost. Most composite resin fillings last 15-20+ years with well-kept oral hygiene.

Dangers of Dental Amalgam

Even though the FDA states the release of mercury in the form of a vapor can have adverse health effects, they go on to state that there isn’t enough evidence to support that dental amalgams increase this threat. They say it’s not consensus science. However, the evidence is available – they choose to ignore it.

Mercury exposure may arise from internal body pathways, from dental amalgams, preservatives in drugs and vaccines, and seafood consumption, or even from external pathways, i.e., occupational exposure, environmental pollution, and handling of metallic items and cosmetics containing Hg. In susceptible individuals, chronic low Hg exposure may trigger local and systemic inflammation, even exacerbating the already existing autoimmune response in patients with autoimmunity. Mercury exposure can trigger dysfunction of the autoimmune responses and aggravate immunotoxic effects associated with elevated serum autoantibodies titers.

“Maternal mercury exposure impacts the fetus. Both the Environmental Protection Agency and National Academy of Science state that between 8 and 10% of American women have mercury levels that would render any child they gave birth to at risk for neurological disorders.” —Haley BE. Mercury toxicity: genetic susceptibility and synergistic effects. Medical Veritas. 2005 Nov;2(2):535-42.

Here is an infographic showing the Human Health Risks to mercury exposure throughout the lifespan. (Source: https://iaomt.org/dental-amalgam-mercury-exposure-human-health-risks-throughout-life-span/)

Source: IAOMT.org website

Electrical Disturbances from Dissimilar Metals

Just as a magnet next to a television will distort its image, so will communication from the brain to the body be disrupted by the greater electrical field generated by the dissimilar metals in your mouth. Millivolts are generated in teeth. Nanovolts are generated from the brain via the nervous system.

Because metals are electrically active, having different metals within the mouth causes oral galvanism. This condition, and its implications, have been discussed for over 100 years but yet have been greatly ignored within dentistry.

Galvanism is defined as “a direct current of electricity especially when produced by chemical action.” Thus, oral galvanism simply means electric currents produced by chemical action in the mouth. Saliva acts as a conductor between the metals, causing corrosion. (similar to rust that appears on batteries).

The rate of corrosion can increase in situations like

• The combination of gold and amalgam
• The different surfaces of the restoration
• The composition of salvia and dentin fluid
• Biting, wear and tear, increase in temperature, and acidic and salty food
• “Injury reactions” at the interfaces between gingival or root canals and the restoration metals
• Periodontitis

In our office, we will…

• Use a special potential meter to measure electrical currents
• Order filling removal based on greatest electrical disturbance

Removing Amalgam Fillings Safely

Removing toxic mercury fillings is a priority for our office. Doing it safely is our cause. Safe removal practices should be observed/adhered to, because of the large amount of mercury particulate matter and vapor released during the removal process.

Precautionary measures are used in our office and are called “SAFE PRACTICES” because we value the safety of our patients, team members, and the environment.

• Rubber dam and or “Clean Up” (particle and vapor capturing device)
• High volume suction
• Copious water flow
• “Chunking out” large sections
• Alternate air source for patients to breathe
• Room air filtration
• Large, long-neck, high powered vacuum with 3 stage air filtration to capture mercury vapor and particulate matter released from the mouth.
• Amalgam catcher – collects removed amalgam and recycled properly to protect the environment

Some patients do not feel a difference after removal and replacement of their mercury fillings. Others have testified a difference in cognitive function, ability to sleep through the night, as well as increase in energy.

Some patients may detox with the help of a naturopath or functional medicine doctor to remove accumulated mercury within the body. If you are interested, we can connect you with a practitioner that can help.

Non-Toxic Filling Materials are available.

• No mercury
• No palladium
• No nickel (80% component of metal as used in costume jewelry and under porcelain in crowns and bridges)
• Tooth colored composites and ceramics
• High noble gold and platinum
• BPA (BisPhenol A) free composites available
• As strong and durable as amalgam fillings per studies

We use:

• Resin composite
• Zirconia
• Gold

Patients come from all over the bay area, Bay Area, including Tri-Valley (Livermore, Dublin, Pleasanton), Tracy and other locations.