How to Find a Dentist That Specializes in Amalgum Removal

Mercury and other heavy metals have been found to cause nerve damage, impair the immune system, harm fetuses and interfere with childhood development. According to the U.S. Government, "toxic metals cause adverse health effects and learning disabilities to millions in the U.S. each year, especially children and the elderly." Not surprisingly, many people who got mercury amalgam fillings years ago now want to play it safe and have those fillings removed.

Instructions

• 1

  Things To Keep in Mind

  Mercury makes up about 50 percent of amalgam (silver) fillings. Mercury vapor leaks from the filling continuously, and is transported around the body in the blood. When amalgam fillings are removed, mercury levels are reduced by about 80 percent within a few months. Health problems caused by mercury fillings usually improve if the fillings are removed carefully to limit exposure to the mercury. It's important to find a dentist who can remove amalgam fillings safely by using proper protocol, and who can replace the fillings with safer materials.

• 2

  Check the Directory of Mercury Free Dentists on the Mercury Free Dentists' Web site to find a dentist who specializes in removing mercury-amalgam fillings. The directory lists mercury-free dentists in all 50 states, Canada, South America, Europe, South Africa and Asia. The site also provides answers to frequently asked questions, a list of recommended books, useful information and articles for patients.

• 3

  Make sure your dentist uses International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology amalgam removal protocol, which protects you and the dental workers against exposure to mercury vapors while your fillings are being removed. Protections include:
  • Providing protective wear for you and the dental staff. Providing the staff with mercury filter masks.
  • Removing fillings under a cold water spray.
  • Using a high-volume evacuator tip to remove mercury vapor.
  • Providing an alternative air source for you.
  • Using a rubber dam in your mouth to limit exposure to mercury.
  • Removing your protective wear and cleaning your face after the procedure.

• 4

  Confirm that your dentist can replace your fillings with composite material rather than with gold before you allow your amalgam fillings to be removed. Although composites are not without problems, those types of materials are still usually safer than a metal filling. Your dentist may have to perform a biocompatibility test to determine which composite material is best suited to you. A biocompatibility test is particularly important if you are hypersensitive to foreign materials or if you have multiple chemical sensitivities.