Skip to main content

Natural Awakenings Lehigh Valley

Safe Removal of Mercury Fillings

Aug 28, 2012 11:49AM ● By Dr. Michael Taras

 

The safety of mercury, or amalgam, fillings in the mouth is an ongoing concern, and it’s no wonder. Mercury fillings contain approximately 50 percent mercury, and emit mercury vapor 24 hours a day, seven days a week throughout one’s lifetime. According to the U.S. Department of Health, 80 percent of inhaled mercury vapor is retained.

Dr. Donald Robbins, author of The Toxic Dental Office, says when we activate the surface of mercury fillings by chewing, drinking hot beverages or carbonated sodas, the mercury vapor that’s released increases dramatically. “This mercury gets absorbed directly into your body and can make you feel sick and can have serious health effects on many of your body systems.”

In his book, The Poison In Your Teeth, Dr. Tom McGuire says, “Amalgam fillings contain and release mercury as a poisonous vapor. As it accumulates, it poisons cells and tissues, particularly the brain and nervous system.”

So, it comes as no surprise then that people are asking to take out their mercury fillings and have them replaced with safer, tooth-colored fillings. Without a doubt, it is a necessary first step to health, but it is crucial that the toxic fillings be removed safely. As one might imagine, when the fillings are removed they create a large burst of mercury vapor. The mercury absorbed by the patient can act as a significant bio-burden so multiple protective measures are essential.

A CleanUp Suction device that fits circumferentially around the tooth being treated and a larger DentAir Vac 7 suction device that is positioned by the patient’s chin need to be part of the removal protocol to catch the newly released mercury vapor. An Isolite suction device can further isolate the section of the mouth being treated and a Mercury Vapor Ionizer and air purifiers with HEPA filters create clean ambient air.

Multiple heavy metal binders are essential to deal with any mercury that may be introduced into the patient’s system and a special oral rinse further protects the mouth during treatment. After the initial removal procedure, ozone can be used to inactivate toxic mercury in the deeper portions of the tooth and also to kill bacteria that may be close to the nerve

Kinesiology (muscle testing) has demonstrated that no mercury load is introduced into the system with a patient undergoing the above protocol. Applying these sound scientific and holistic principles can give the patient peace of mind. While it’s crucial to get the mercury fillings removed safely, it’s also important to replace them with a material that’s biocompatible and safer. To determine which dental materials are best suited for each patient, a biocompatibility test can be done on the patient’s blood.

Having an experienced holistic dentist who is specifically trained in safe mercury filling removal is an important addition to an overall health and wellness plan.

Dr. Michael Taras provides high-tech, holistic dentistry to both children and adults at his practice located at 2900 Hamilton Blvd., in Allentown. For more information, call 610-432-1320 or visit DrTarasDentist.com.