The Science Behind Removing Amalgam Fillings Safely: Why You Should Consider Replacing Them with White Fillings

For decades, amalgam fillings, also known as silver fillings, have been a common choice for dental restorations. These fillings are made from a mixture of metals, including mercury, silver, tin, and copper. While they have been praised for their durability and affordability, increasing scientific evidence suggests that amalgam fillings may pose health risks due to the presence of mercury. This has led many holistic and biological dentists to recommend the safe removal of amalgam fillings and their replacement with mercury-free white fillings.

In this blog post, we’ll explore the scientific rationale for removing amalgam fillings, the potential health risks associated with mercury exposure, and the processes used by alternative dentists to remove these fillings safely without exposing patients to mercury toxicity.

What Are Amalgam Fillings?

Amalgam fillings have been used in dentistry for over 150 years. These fillings are composed of a combination of metals, but the primary concern is their mercury content, which makes up about 50% of the material. Mercury is a known neurotoxin that can have harmful effects on the brain, kidneys, and immune system.

For many years, the safety of amalgam fillings was not widely questioned. The American Dental Association (ADA) and other mainstream health organizations continue to state that amalgam fillings are safe for use in adults. However, growing concerns about the potential for mercury to leach from these fillings and accumulate in the body have prompted some in the medical community to push for safer alternatives.

The Health Risks of Mercury Exposure

Mercury is a highly toxic heavy metal that can affect the nervous system, immune function, and other critical bodily processes. The concern with amalgam fillings is that mercury can be released in the form of vapor over time, particularly when the fillings are subjected to pressure, heat, or friction, such as when chewing or grinding teeth. Once released, mercury vapor can be inhaled and absorbed into the bloodstream, potentially leading to a range of health problems.

Potential Health Effects

Research has shown that exposure to even low levels of mercury over an extended period can have detrimental effects on health. Some of the potential health risks associated with mercury exposure from amalgam fillings include:

1. Neurological Issues: Mercury is known to be neurotoxic, which means it can damage the nervous system. Studies have linked mercury exposure to memory problems, mood swings, tremors, and cognitive impairment. Some researchers believe that mercury exposure may contribute to conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease and multiple sclerosis.
2. Immune System Dysfunction: Mercury exposure has been shown to impair the immune system, leading to autoimmune conditions where the body’s immune response mistakenly targets its own tissues. Some individuals with amalgam fillings have reported improvements in autoimmune symptoms after having their fillings removed.
3. Kidney Damage: The kidneys are responsible for filtering toxins, including mercury, from the body. Over time, chronic mercury exposure can cause damage to the kidneys and impair their function.
4. Reproductive Health Issues: Some studies have suggested that mercury exposure may have a negative impact on reproductive health, potentially leading to fertility issues or developmental problems in children born to mothers with high mercury levels.

It’s important to note that not everyone with amalgam fillings will experience these symptoms, and the effects of mercury exposure vary depending on individual sensitivity and the amount of mercury released from the fillings.

The Growing Movement Against Amalgam Fillings

While conventional dentistry maintains that amalgam fillings are safe, there is a growing movement within the holistic and biological dentistry community advocating for the removal of amalgam fillings due to the potential health risks they pose. These dentists are concerned about the long-term effects of mercury exposure, especially in individuals who are already prone to heavy metal toxicity or have existing health issues.

Dr. Mark Hyman, a well-known functional medicine practitioner, has spoken out about the dangers of mercury exposure from amalgam fillings. He notes that mercury is one of the most toxic substances known to humans and that there is no safe level of mercury exposure. According to Dr. Hyman, removing amalgam fillings and replacing them with safer alternatives can help reduce the body’s toxic burden and improve overall health.

Dr. David Kennedy, a biological dentist and former president of the International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology (IAOMT), is another advocate for the safe removal of amalgam fillings. Dr. Kennedy has highlighted the research linking mercury exposure to a range of chronic health conditions and encourages patients to seek out alternative fillings that do not contain toxic metals.

The Safe Removal of Amalgam Fillings

While the potential health risks of amalgam fillings are concerning, the process of removing them must be done carefully to avoid exposing the patient to mercury vapor and particles during the procedure. Removing amalgam fillings without proper precautions can result in significant mercury exposure, which can exacerbate the very health problems the patient is trying to avoid.

Fortunately, many holistic and biological dentists are trained in specialized protocols to ensure that amalgam fillings can be removed safely, minimizing the risk of mercury toxicity. These protocols, often referred to as “SMART” (Safe Mercury Amalgam Removal Technique), are endorsed by organizations like the IAOMT.

The SMART Protocol for Safe Amalgam Removal

The SMART protocol involves a series of steps designed to protect both the patient and the dental team from mercury exposure during the removal process. Here’s how it works:

1. Comprehensive Patient Protection: Before the procedure begins, patients are equipped with full-body coverings, including a dental dam (a rubber barrier placed in the mouth) to isolate the teeth being worked on. This prevents mercury particles from being ingested or inhaled.
2. High-Speed Suction and Ventilation: During the removal process, high-speed suction devices are used to capture mercury vapor and debris as soon as it’s released from the fillings. Many dental offices also use air filtration systems and continuous airflow to keep the environment safe for both the patient and staff.
3. Water Cooling: To minimize the release of mercury vapor, the amalgam fillings are kept cool with water during the drilling process. This helps prevent the heat generated by the dental tools from causing the mercury to vaporize.
4. Fragmentation and Sectioning: Rather than grinding the filling down, which can release more mercury, the dentist will carefully section the filling into larger pieces. This technique allows the amalgam to be removed in chunks, reducing the amount of mercury vapor released.
5. Oxygen Mask: To further protect the patient, an oxygen mask may be used to ensure they are breathing in clean air rather than inhaling mercury vapor.
6. Post-Removal Detox: After the amalgam fillings are removed, some holistic dentists may recommend detox protocols to help the body eliminate any residual mercury. This could include the use of supplements like activated charcoal, chlorella, or glutathione to support the body’s detoxification pathways.

The Benefits of Replacing Amalgam with White Fillings

Once the amalgam fillings have been safely removed, they are typically replaced with composite resin fillings, also known as white fillings. These fillings are made from a blend of plastic and glass particles and are completely mercury-free. Not only are they safer for your health, but they also offer a more natural and aesthetically pleasing appearance, as they can be matched to the color of your teeth.

In addition to being free of toxic metals, composite fillings have other benefits:

• Preserve More Tooth Structure: Unlike amalgam fillings, which require a large portion of the tooth to be drilled away, composite fillings bond directly to the tooth and require less removal of healthy tooth structure.
• Durability: Advances in dental materials have made composite fillings just as durable as amalgam fillings, making them a reliable choice for long-term dental restorations.
• Less Sensitivity: Many patients report that composite fillings cause less sensitivity to hot and cold than amalgam fillings.

Conclusion: Is It Time to Consider Removing Your Amalgam Fillings?

The debate over the safety of amalgam fillings is ongoing, but the evidence pointing to potential health risks from mercury exposure is compelling. If you have amalgam fillings and are concerned about the possible effects of mercury on your health, it may be worth exploring the option of safe removal and replacement with white fillings.

By working with a holistic or biological dentist trained in the SMART protocol, you can minimize your exposure to mercury during the removal process and replace your fillings with a safer, more aesthetically pleasing option. As with any medical decision, it’s essential to weigh the risks and benefits and consult with a qualified professional to determine the best course of action for your health.