Mercury Dental Fillings

Do dental mercury amalgam “silver” fillings emit mercury?

In a word, YES!

Dr Hanus You Tube Video on mercury dental amalgam fillings  (5 min  38 sec).

 

See for yourself in the IAOMT (International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology) video, “Smoking Teeth – Toxic Fillings”.    (Also, check out the video on “Neurodegeneration – the Mercury-Alzheimer’s Connection)

More Q and A from IAOMT:

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.

Should I have my mercury fillings removed?

Note:  The American Dental Association, and the FDA (with some exceptions) approve of using mercury dental fillings.

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.

[Note:  This is the official position of IAOMT, of which Dr. Hanus is a member.  But, Dr. Hanus believes that just as in the case of removing mercury fillings for cosmetic purposes, removing them for presumed health purposes is an  individual decision.   This decision should not be made until after careful consideration and significant personal education.  While studies indicate that dental amalgam mercury may be your largest single exposure to  mercury, there are environmental exposures to many  substances which can negatively impact your health.  Should you decide to remove your mercury fillings, we will support you in every way we can, but we do not guarantee there will be any change in your health.]

Should I take supplements prior to mercury filling removal?

Your immune system  and health in general should be in as good a condition as possible.  If, in your case, that means  taking supplements, then by all means consider doing it.  There is a great deal of information on the internet available by just a word search.    You may want to work with a physician or other knowledgeable and experienced practitioner to assist you.  It is imperative that chronically ill patients seek advice from a physician knowledgeable in mercury toxicity issues.

Is there a proper way to remove mercury fillings?

IAOMT Safe Removal of Amalgam Fillings:

To prevent additional mercury exposure, find a dentist properly trained in safe mercury filling removal.  Inquire about the following amalgam removal protocols:

Utilizing an efficient suction system in the oral cavity with a special tip or its equivalent to contain amalgam particles and mercury vapors.

Utilizing a nitrile (rubber) dam to protect from breathing mercury vapors through mouth or from swallowing scraps of mercury fillings.

Operating a vacuum system at maximum efficiency.

Applying copious amounts of water to the filling during removal.

Removing the amalgam in  segments to minimize the generation of mercury vapor and amalgam particulate.

Providing the patient and dental staff with a mercury-free source of air.

Where can I find a dentist trained in these techniques?

The IAOMT is a group of dentists, physicians and researchers involved in peer-reviewed scientific research, education and the promotion of biological dentistry. The IAOMT encourages the use of biocompatible materials and the development of appropriate protocols to ensure whole-body patient health. The tenets of a good dental practice should be based on peer-reviewed research – not on conventional wisdom. Most importantly, the materials and procedures used in dentistry should not adversely affect the rest of the body.

The beneficial effect of amalgam replacement on health in patients with autoimmunity.

http://www.nel.edu/pdf_/25_3/NEL250304A07_Prochazkova_.pdf

Source:  http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15349088

The Institute of Dental Research 1st Medical Faculty Charles University and General University Hospital, Prague, Czech Republic. prochazkova@vus.cz

Abstract:

BACKGROUND:

Patients with certain autoimmune and allergic diseases, such as systemic lupus, multiple sclerosis, autoimmune thyroiditis or atopic eczema, often show increased lymphocyte stimulation by low doses of inorganic mercury in vitro. The patients often report clinical metal hypersensitivity, especially to nickel.

OBJECTIVE AND METHODS:

In this study we examined the health impact of amalgam replacement in mercury-allergic patients with autoimmunity. The suitability of MELISA, an optimized lymphocyte stimulation test, for the selection of susceptible patients and monitoring of sensitization was also examined. Amalgam fillings were replaced with composites and ceramic materials. Follow-up health status and lymphocyte reactivity were assessed and evaluated half a year or later following amalgam removal.

RESULTS:

Results of lymphocyte reactivity measured with MELISA indicate that in vitro reactivity after the replacement of dental amalgam decreased significantly to inorganic mercury, silver, organic mercury and lead. Out of 35 patients, 25 patients (71%) showed improvement of health. The remaining patients exhibited either unchanged health (6 patients, 17%) or worsening of symptoms (4 patients, 11%). The highest rate of improvement was observed in patients with multiple sclerosis, the lowest rate was noted in patients with eczema. The initial mercury-specific lymphocyte reactivity was significantly higher in the responder group, than in the non-responders, whose health was not improved by amalgam removal. All patients with health improvement after amalgam replacement showed reduced proliferation to inorganic mercury in follow-up MELISA. In vitro responses to phenylmercury and nickel did not differ between the groups.

CONCLUSIONS:

Mercury-containing amalgam may be an important risk factor for patients with autoimmune diseases. MELISA is a valuable tool for selection of patients for amalgam replacement and also for monitoring of metal allergies.

Other Resources:
IAOMT  (International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology) facts on mercury fillings  (and other issues):     https://iaomt.org/wp-content/uploads/Fact-Sheet-Dental-Mercury-and-Human-Health.pdf

IAOMT  (International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology) facts on mercury fillings.       https://iaomt.org/wp-content/uploads/Fact-Sheet-Dental-Mercury-and-the-Environment.pdf

This is the what the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has recommended for mercury spills, thermometer breaks, and disposing of mercury.   http://www.epa.gov/mercury/spills/

The silent hazard: an unusual case of mercury contamination of a dental suite    http://jada.ada.org/content/92/6/1195.abstract

 

Supreme Court lowers the boom on self-dealing dental boards…  and the pro-mercury American Dental Association

http://us1.campaign-archive2.com/?u=27e2f2d4d51d0311acb2ec134&id=8b9a71d478&e=b1a8956db0