Recently at a dental meeting, I met many colleagues who promote their practice as mercury-free. As such, they believe that they are also mercury-safe since they no longer place amalgams within their practice. Although this sounds good in theory, the reality is significantly different. These mercury-free dentists have no safety protocol in place, and as a result, are exposing their patients, their employees and themselves to a heavy load of mercury aerosol each time old amalgam fillings are drilled out.
When looking for a dentist to replace your silver mercury fillings, it is important to look for a dental office that is mercury-safe, not mercury-free.
Statistically speaking, as of 2008, over 50% of practicing dentists no longer use silver (mercury) amalgam fillings, and as a marketing tool, many may be promoting their practice as mercury-free. A mercury–free dentist is one who no longer places silver mercury fillings. A mercury-safe dentist is one who follows a safety protocol to protect everyone in the office, including you!
Even though patients may get a non-mercury filling at a mercury- free dentist's office, this does not mean that the patient and the office personnel are being protected in a mercury-safe manner.
So be sure to ask the right questions when looking for a holistic dentist to replace your amalgams. Additionally, do not assume that all holistic dentists are mercury-safe or for that matter, even holistic. I found this out by personal experience. You can read about it here.
Lesson learned: Always ask questions before choosing a health practitioner.
I had these taken out years ago and replaced with acrylic. Now they do porcelain feelings what is the difference? Sometimes it says metallic bases. Can porcelain fillings be put in within Metalis bases? Last question what makes a Mercury safe dentists office?
There are many types of white fillings. Acrylic is not used as a permanent filling material. Composite or porcelain are the usual choices. Porcelain is stronger than composite but is also more costly. No metal base is necessary as the porcelain is strong enough on its own. A mercury safe dentist's office is explained in the posting. Might want to reread it again for clarity.
If you have any further questions, please feel free to email me at successdds@gmail.com. Have a great day, Michael!
Hi, nice to meet you! Some of my fillings have come out and I don't have the money to replace them at 75. I take heavy metal detox to try to keep the drainage in my body down some. I also use an Alkaline/Acid Medical water to rinse my mouth out after brushing and for bad breath. The bad breath comes two root canals and the fillings coming out. I live in Central Point, Oregon, is there any other suggestions I can do? I have very little pain from using the Alkaline/Acid water. Thanks!
Dr. Brand this is such wonderful information. All dentists should read this blog to become aware of the proper mercury safety protocols and to reduce health risks.
I never thought of that... Very true and most definitely is a great question to ask when looking to change dentist.