Mercury Safe Dentistry

We recognize the impact of toxic materials and they can affect the general health. We are concerned about the integrity and health of the oral cavity and we strive to find materials that are systemically compatible and safe for the environment. In our practice we do not use any mercury/silver fillings also known as amalgam fillings. Most people and even dentists don't realize that these fillings are composed of 50% mercury. It is also important to note that mercury is the most toxic nonradioactive substance on earth. And since 50% of the amalgam composition is mercury we do not feel this restoration is warranted as a dental filling. Published research shows that mercury is more toxic than lead, cadmium or arsenic. The World Health Organization has concluded that dental fillings contribute more mercury in the body than all other sources combined. We feel that no amount of mercury exposure is safe or harmless. So in our practice we use safe protocols to remove these fillings. These are protocols that are specified and recommended by the international Academy of Oral medicine and toxicology (IAOMT).

These include:

• Utilizing an efficient suction system that contains the amalgam particles and mercury vapor.
• Isolating the involved teeth from the rest of the mouth with non-latex rubber dam to prevent ingestion of particles.
• Applying copious amount of water, to minimize heat generation and subsequent mercury vapor.
• Removing the amalgam in large segments to minimize mercury vapor generation.
• Provide a mercury free source of air.
• Protect the environment by collecting old mercury particles and safely dispose of them with recycling equipment.

We also want to be clear that we make no claims regarding health improvements based on removal of these mercury/silver amalgam fillings. Only with a careful study of blood chemistry can one determine the body's burden from years of mercury exposure.

In a documentary that was broadcast in England entitled What's in your mouth?, Chief Dental Officer(CDO) Barry Cockcroft and Peter Ward who is the chief executive of British Dental Association are interviewed about health hazards of mercury fillings.

What other countries are doing:

• Japan regulates use of amalgam fillings.
• Sweden and Denmark have already banned the use of mercury in dental amalgam fillings, citing health and environmental concerns.
• Amalgam use is illegal in Norway.
• Germany and Austria have some restrictions of dental amalgam use. It is permitted for the general population but it is not permitted for pregnant women or people with kidney problems.

Visit our Before and After Smile Gallery to see Actual Patient Results