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Mercury Removal

What is the concern with the Elemental Mercury in the fillings?

Elemental Mercury is toxic. Once mercury enters the body it is quickly absorbed and distributed to the major organs such as the brain, kidney and liver. Individual responses to this mercury exposure varies form individual to individual. Scientific studies have identified dental mercury as a potential cause or risk factor for the following conditions:

  • Allergies
  • Antibiotic resistance
  • Alzheimer’s Disease
  • Autism Spectrum Disorders
  • Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
  • Kidney Disease
  • Oral Lichen Planus
  • Depression and Anxiety
  • Multiple Sclerosis
  • Parkinson’s disease
  • ALS ( Lou Gehrig’s Disease)
  • Autoimmune disorders/immunodeficiency
  • Reproductive Disfunction
  • Cardiovascular Problems
  • Periodontal Disease
  • Hearing loss
  • Thyroiditis

 I am concerned about my health and my dental amalgam fillings. How should I have my fillings removed?

The short answer is, very carefully! The most toxic form of the elemental mercury is the vapor form. When removing the mercury fillings this vapor will be formed if specific precautions are not taken by the treating dentist. We utilize all of the available procedures and products to ensure your safety and ours during the removal procedure.

To learn more about the recommended safety procedures we use please click here.

 Why do teeth with Amalgam fillings often fracture?

The fracturing of teeth comes from the properties of elemental mercury. Mercury has been used to make thermometers because it expands when heated and contracts when cooled ( when the temperature rises outside, the mercury inside the thermometer rises, when the temperature falls, the mercury falls) This same property occurs within the amalgam filling comprised of 50% mercury. When we eat hot foods, the filling expands. When our mouth is cooled, the filling contracts. Over time, the expansion and contraction weakens the tooth structure resulting in fractures.

Here is the good news. Advancements in dental products and technology have created dental products that can replace dental amalgam with materials that bond to the natural tooth structure and do not contain elemental mercury. These composite materials contain glass particles and resin that when placed and properly cured, they bond to the tooth’s natural enamel and dentin. (dental amalgam does not bond) These materials do not expand and contract and actually aid in holding the tooth together creating a healthier long term situation for the tooth and for the patient.