Background: The IAOMT and its members are very concerned about excess exposure to mercury when old amalgam fillings are removed. The process of drilling out amalgam fillings liberates quantities of mercury vapor and fine particulates that can be inhaled and absorbed through the lungs. We have developed some simple methods for reducing this exposure, which all members of the IAOMT should be aware of. Accredited members, Fellows and Masters are all certified as being proficient in safe amalgam removal techniques. For more information, see the article, “Safe Removal of Amalgam Fillings” in the Featured Articles section of this website.

If your dentist is not an Accredited IAOMT member, ask these questions:

What is your position on the mercury issue? How much knowledge do youpossess about mercury?

If a dentist is knowledgeable about the mercury issue and understands mercury biochemistry, it is likely they will take the removal process seriously. Be concerned if you hear, "I don't think the mercury in fillings is a big deal, but I'll take it out if you like. This is probably a dentist that isn't very concerned about removal protocols.

Do you use a rubber dam when removing amalgam?

The rubber sheet greatly reduces the amount of particulates that go down the throat.

Is your suction system powerful and efficient? Do you use a special tip (such as "Clean Up," available from IAOMT) or its equivalent?

Utilizing an efficient suction system in the oral cavity with a specialized adaptor or its equivalent is necessary to contain the mercury vapor and amalgam particles.

Do you apply copious amounts of water to the filling upon removal?

Large amounts of water help contain the mercury vapor and fine particulate matter, as well as, cool the filling.

Do you remove the mercury/amalgam filling in large sections?

By using a very thin bur and reducing the amount of drilling, the amount of mercury and fine particulates is minimized.

Do you utilize alternative air sources and/or equipment to reduce mercury inhalation?

The dentist should employ one or more methods to prevent the patient from inhaling the mercury vapor and fine particulate matter.

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Teeth govern which kinds of food we can eat and their condition impacts on our digestion. They also provide crucial support for parts of the face, noticeably the mouth and cheeks, and are a major component of our smile. It is understandable that the loss of a tooth or multiple teeth is considered by most people to be a bit of a disaster, either from a health point of view or socially.

Full or partial dentures, bridges and implants are all used to replace teeth but some of these options are not so comfortable over the long-term. Tooth loss results in some degree of bone loss from the jaw and as this occurs many people find their dentures slipping as their bone remodels.

Implants are generally considered the best solution to replace missing teeth. Usually made from biocompatible titanium or a titanium alloy, the metal of the implant is integrated in the bone over a period of about 3 – 9 months and this new root replacement can then be used as an anchor for either a crown or a fixture to retain a denture.

There are two common types of implants.

The “conventional” implant, which has two parts and requires a small plug of bone to be removed from the jaw before the base of the implant is inserted in the hole. The other part of the implant is often attached some months later to form the abutment for a crown.

Using local anaesthetic, the screw is inserted directly through the gum and seated in the bone like a tooth root. Placement of Mini Dental Implants is generally completed with minimal discomfort. A crown or fitting for the denture can be attached to the implant immediately.

The IAOMT believes you should (unless you are pregnant or lactating). Mercury vapor is continuously emitted from dental fillings and accumulates in the body over time. The damaging effects of this exposure may not manifest for years or even decades. Studies repeatedly demonstrate that even low levels of mercury cause measurable adverse health effects. Mercury in the tissues of a fetus or infant correlates significantly with the number of dental amalgam fillings in the mother. Newborns may be at risk for learning disabilities because of mercury their mother absorbed during pregnancy. Many physicians are testing their patients for mercury toxicity and referring them to biological dentists. Across scientific disciplines, health professionals are realizing that mercury may adversely impact patient health. http://www.cerecdentisnj.com/
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What is biological dentistry?


Biological dentists recognize the impact of toxic materials and relate it to dental and physiological health. These dentists are concerned with the integrity of the oral cavity and use materials and procedures in their practices that are systemically compatible.

Is there a concern about the use of mercury in dentistry?


Many people do not realize the "silver" amalgam fillings are 50% mercury. A large filling may contain as much mercury as a thermometer. Mercury vaporizes easily at room temperature, and in this state, is odorless, colorless and tasteless. Inhaled mercury vapor is readily absorbed into the bloodstream. The World Health Organization has concluded that dental fillings contribute more mercury to a person's body than all other sources of mercury combined. Mercury is a powerful poison. Published research demonstrates that mercury is more toxic than lead, cadmium or arsenic. No amount of exposure to mercury vapor can be considered harmless. Especially considering its cumulative effect.

Is there an associated health risk?

Mercury is the most toxic, non-radioactive element on the earth. Most medical and scientific researchers have called for a ban on the use of mercury in all products. However, the potential harmful effects of mercury fillings have been ignored by the U.S. Government. Due to its poisonous nature, mercury can adversely affect the immune, urinary, cardiac, respiratory and digestive systems. Under laboratory conditions, mercury has produced brain cell deterioration identical to that seen in victims of Alzheimer's disease. Source IAOMT.