Safely Removing Mercury Fillings in our Teeth
General Information, Related Research
An experienced biological dentist can safely remove mercury fillings without exposing you to toxic vapors in the process. He or she is likely to build up the tooth with a porcelain onlay to strengthen the tooth; and place a crown that is free of harmful heavy metals.
Some dentist offices have a Cerec machine which enables them to make the crown or onlay on the spot, which means that all can be done during one office visit. It really can't get more convenient than that.
In some cases, when the dental fillings are in good condition and removing them poses more of a risk than keeping them in, it may be best to leave them in. This is something to be discussed with the respective medical personnel, which will take into account your personal health and the condition of your teeth.
📋 Table of Contents
🎯 Reasons for removing amalgam fillings
Practitioners may recommend that patients with amalgam fillings have them removed, if the patients are experiencing many of the symptoms associated with chronic mercury toxicity; or if they are suffering from diseases related to chronic mercury poisoning, allergies or immune system dysfunction. It is also recommended to remove mercury fillings if patients are suffering from neurological diseases.
Cancer specialists, specifically, may recommend the removal of these toxic fillings to give the patients' immune system the best chance of fighting the cancer.
Some chiropractors and alternative health doctors are also aware of the impact of mercury toxicity on our health and may suggest a complete removal of amalgams as a preventative measure.
All fillings need to be replaced eventually as they don't last forever. When a tooth with an amalgam filling breaks or cracks, you run the risk of getting poisoned - potentially resulting in an emergency situation.
⚠️ Risks associated with removing amalgam fillings
Unprotected removal of amalgam dental fillings can expose patients to toxic mercury vapor and amalgam particulate matter that pose significant risks to your health. Therefore, amalgam dental fillings should not be worked on or removed during routine dental procedures. Special precautions need to be taken to limit any exposure, and this usually requires a biological dentist who is experienced in this area and practices all necessary precautions.
There are numerous cases where mercury poisoning occurred during the removal of amalgam fillings by medical personnel that didn't follow the proper procedures -- either out of neglect or ignorance.
The removal procedure poses a particular risk to pregnant and nursing mothers, patients who have existing health issues related to mercury, allergies, or immune system problems. Special precautions need to be taken should the removal of these fillings be necessary.
🔍 Before Removing Amalgam Fillings
Finding the Right Dentist
Before removal of these fillings, ask your holistic dentist what protocols he or she will be following. The International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology (IAOMT) has established a protocol for dentists.
Medical Consultation
Before attempting to remove mercury fillings, you should consult with a medical doctor -- it would have to be one who understands mercury toxicity. The following resources will help you find someone in your area:
- www.acam.org or 1-800-LEADOUT
- The American Academy of Environmental Medicine (www.aaem.com)
- The American Board of the Clinical Metal Toxicology (www.abcmt.org)
Pre-Removal Preparation
A proper detoxification protocol begins with a nutritional program and the necessary supplementation. Your holistic dentist or physician may recommend you undergo a whole-foods, high-fiber vegan diet for a week before your appointment to cleanse the body of accumulated heavy metals.
🥗 Recommended Supplements:
Glutathione: 50mg 3x daily
NAC: 250mg 2x daily
Methionine: 1000mg daily
Vitamin B6: 50mg daily
Vitamin C: 500mg 3x daily
Zinc: 15-30mg daily
Magnesium: 200mg daily
Selenium: 50mcg daily
🔧 The Removal of Mercury Fillings
Unless there is a reason to do otherwise (like acute toxicity), it's best to replace the amalgam slowly over a course of time, applying all the safety measures recommended by the IAOMT.
Another reason to have one tooth done at a time is to make sure that you are happy with the end results. You don't just want a doctor who practices safety when removing toxic metals from your mouth, but you also want one whose restorations look good and fit without leaks.
📋 IAOMT Recommended Procedures
Guidelines by the International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology for Dentists & Staff
1. Keep fillings cool during removal
Cool water spray actively running reduces mercury vapor release caused by drilling heat.
2. Chunking technique
Cut filling into chunks with minimal drilling, then remove with hand instruments.
3. High-speed suction
Powerful suction system kept within ½ inch of filling captures mercury vapor and particles.
4. Additional air purification
Air filtering system placed close to patient's mouth for extra protection.
5. Alternative air source
Patient breathes through nose or protective mask with clean air/oxygen supply.
6. Rubber dam isolation
Isolates tooth and reduces likelihood of swallowing amalgam pieces.
7. Continuous disposal
Constant suction and continuous air/water flow removes particles immediately.
8. Post-removal cleaning
Thorough mouth rinsing and vacuuming for at least 15 seconds after completion.
9. Patient cleanup
Clean face and neck, remove protective coverings safely.
10. Office air purification
Filter office air to protect staff from mercury vapor exposure.
11. Activated charcoal
Take 10-15 minutes before removal to bind swallowed mercury particles.
🌟 What to expect after removal
It is important to note that mercury levels in the blood usually increases within ~48 hours and then declines exponentially - faster at first and then more slowly over about 3 months. During this time, patients may experience increased symptoms associated with mercury toxicity.
✅ Good News:
That increased blood level of mercury indicates an actual decrease of mercury in the whole body as the mercury is expelled from the muscles and organs into the blood.
Long-term results: Patients that had their amalgam fillings removed showed 50-75% reduction in mercury levels a year later.