Wellness Through Proper Mercury/Silver Removal

The silver metal fillings in your teeth, called amalgams, have been used for 160 years and are still being used today in 75 percent of dental practices. They can be more than just unsightly; they may cause serious health problems. In general, dental amalgam consists of about 50 percent mercury, one of the most toxic non-radioactive metals known to man, along with lead and arsenic. Common sense dictates the use of available alternatives like composite, porcelain and/or gold.

Years after it is placed in the mouth the metal distorts, expands and fragments, because of the corrosion that occurs. If you compound that effect with biting and grinding forces, teeth can fracture and break apart, creating avoidable major dentistry.

Here at our office, we believe the use of dental amalgam should be banned and that proper care should be exercised in its removal. We safely remove dark, old silver fillings with the use of a rubber dental dam and high volume evacuation. We then replace them with safer, stronger, and more attractive white restorations called inlays, onlays, and composite fillings.

When the restoration is extensive, we primarily use an inlay/onlay technique. The Targis ™ product from Ivoclar © or the Sculpture ® product from 3M ™ are both laboratory processed composite inlay and onlay products with a better resistance to wear than their direct filling counterparts. They also provide greater interproximal stability (i.e. flossing contact). The combination of these benefits creates a restoration that can last two to three times as long as direct composite fillings.

When a person with amalgams chews, drinks, swallows, and breathes, mercury can be released from the fillings into the lungs, digestive system, and bloodstream. Although there is no conclusive evidence, recent studies have shown that disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease, multiple sclerosis, and chronic fatigue syndrome may be linked to mercury/amalgams.

Here are some potential symptoms of mercury exposure from amalgams:

Periods of depression
Irritability
Tingling and numbness in extremities
Chronic fatigue
Cold hands and feet
Memory loss
Frequent cramping of legs
Ringing in the ears
Metallic taste
Unexplained chest pain

Mercury/Silver Removal

Your well-being is our first concern. If you are experiencing problems because of your mercury fillings, we can replace them, which will not only improve your mouth's appearance and strength, but your health as well. Contact us today to learn more.

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