Nina Foley, DMD, FAGD

Silver, or mercury-amalgam dental fillings contain from 48-55 percent mercury, which is a toxic substance; scientific studies have demonstrated that mercury, even in small amounts, can cause damage to organs, glands, blood cells, enzymes and hormones, and have been shown to suppress the body's immune system.  Watch this informative video by Dr. Tom McGuire, DDS:

Mercury Free Dentistry Headlines

In October of 2011, the U.S. Department of State announced its new position on the use of mercury-amalgam fillings, signaling a new policy direction away from the use of mercury-containing products for human healthcare.

Here's what the well-regarded website WebMD.com says about mercury-amalgam fillings:

"Amalgam fillings are made from liquid mercury mixed with a powder containing silver, tin, copper, zinc, and other metals. It was once thought that the mercury in fillings was permanently trapped in the amalgam. Not any more.

When people chew, the fillings emit mercury vapor that is absorbed by the body. Even for people with lots of fillings, it's a small amount of mercury. But since mercury is toxic even at very low levels, there's growing concern that the mercury in fillings could be the straw that breaks the camel's back for people with other mercury exposures. And dental professionals are routinely exposed to the vapors.

Even now, the FDA does not recommend that people have their fillings removed. But the agency does say that people concerned about the possible health effects of dental fillings should talk with their qualified health care practitioner."

While Dr. Foley's office does not recommend the use of mercury or amalgam-style fillings, it is important to note that a sound, stable mercury-amalgam filling poses no immediate health risk, and is probably better left in place as long as it remains intact and stable. However, when replacement of an amalgam-style filling is called for, many patients wish to have such fillings removed and replaced with new, non-metallic, non-toxic composite fillings.

  

During removal and replacement of mercury-amalgam fillings, some mercury is inevitably released as a vapor.  During such procedures, Dr. Foley utilizes specially developed protocols to minimize your risk of exposure.

The following are the methods used to reduce mercury vapor exposure to both patient and operators during amalgam removal:

1. For virtually all operative procedures involving the removal of metals from the mouth, a rubber dam is ALWAYS used.
2. Patient is covered with a disposable drape to prevent mercury particles from getting into clothing, hair, and eyes.
3. An alternative source of air (oxygen) is given to patient via nasal mask.
4. A saliva ejector is placed under the dental dam during mercury filling removal to retrieve any vapors that will pass through the dental dam.
5. High volume suction and copious irrigation with water is used during the sectioning and removal of mercury.
6. A filtering system is utilized to purify the air and remove mercury vapors.
7. Detoxifying and immune system supplements are considered and evaluated for optimal health.

Our office utilizes a centralized mercury separating unit that collects 99% of mercury before it is passed into waste water.

Dr. Foley's staff is well-experienced in these procedures and will take extra care to protect you from any potential mercury contamination.  After the old fillings have been safely removed, Dr. Foley will replace them with new, non-toxic, non-metallic composite fillings, which also have the advantage of being white, not silver -- and thus practically invisible to the naked eye.

More Information About Mercury Free Dentistry

We have posted additional information about both old-style amalgam and new-style 'white fillings', and you are always welcome to Ask Dr. Foley, with no cost or obligation.  If you prefer, you're welcome to schedule a consultation or appointment with Dr. Foley's office.

To learn more, we also suggest you visit www.DentalWellness4you.com -- a good resource with a wealth of useful information!

« « back to our Services list