Many dentists are ‘mercury free’. A few
dentists are ‘mercury safe’. What is the difference?
At a recent dental seminar in Anchorage, a nationally known dental
instructor polled the audience of dentists by asking, “Who is using
amalgam (silver, mercury) fillings?” Less than one half of the
approximately one hundred dentists indicated that they did. This is
good news! The use of mercury fillings is on the decline. These
dentists are mercury free.
Significant research in the last twenty five years has taught us
that mercury fillings leak small amounts of mercury over time. They
leak significantly more when first placed and when they are removed.
The American Dental Association continues to deny this is a problem.
Mercury is a known neurotoxin. It has been eliminated from
thermometers. In fact, if you happen to have an old-fashioned
mercury thermometer and break it, exposing liquid mercury, the
Environmental Protection Agency would shut down the building. When a
dentist removes a mercury filling, it becomes hazardous waste and
must be disposed of appropriately. So, what makes it safe while
implanted in teeth and suddenly hazardous material when removed?!
What can be done to prevent exposure to mercury? First, do not
permit your dentist to place mercury fillings in your mouth. Ask
questions before you have a filling. Replacing mercury fillings is
an option if the client insists on doing so. Keep in mind, however,
the potential exposure when having mercury fillings removed. Medical
providers are more aware of the potential problems with mercury
exposure; thus, their patients with serious health challenges may
become candidates for removal of their mercury fillings. How can
this be accomplished safely? Consult with a mercury free dentist!
Specific protocols can be followed. Your mercury free dentist may
recommend a medical consultation prior to beginning treatment. Your
health care provider may advise use of specific supplements prior to
your dental appointments and/or write a prescription for high dose
intravenous vitamin C to be administered during the mercury filling
removal appointment(s). To minimize exposure to mercury during the
removal process a mercury safe dentist may employ some or all of
these options:
1. Remove the fillings in chunks with plenty of water to keep the
tooth and filling cool.
2. Use high volume suction near the tooth to remove mercury vapor
and particles of amalgam.
3. Use special suctioning devices around the tooth or a rubber dam,
along with rinsing the mouth thoroughly during and after. (Try not
to swallow the ground up particles.)
4. Use barriers on the patient’s clothing and/or face (i.e., simple
things like a moist paper towel).
5. Keep the air in the treatment area clean with filters, additional
vacuum systems or fresh air.
6. Provide supplemental air to the patient with a mask that covers
the nose.
To minimize their exposure to mercury, the dental staff should
protect themselves by using nitrile gloves. (Mercury vapor passes
through latex easily). They should breathe through a mercury
vapor/particle filter type respirator or a mask providing fresh air.
Protecting your health is important. Seek the advice of a mercury
safe dentist. Talk to your health care provider. In addition, go to
www.iaomt.org for additional
mercury safe, biological and holistic dental information.
Gregg W. Bragiel, DDS, PC,
has practiced dentistry since 1976 — mercury free since 1986 and
mercury safe since 1999. He is located in midtown Anchorage. Please
call 907-276-4537.
