The mercury found in amalgam fillings has become a growing concern by more and more people who seek to reduce the number of toxins introduced into their bodies. Due to this, I get many requests and questions from people here in Winnipeg, as well as others throughout the world, about replacing mercury based amalgam fillings with mercury free alternatives. As there is a lot of mixed information out there regarding the risks of mercury from these fillings and the methods for their replacement, I have set up this page to provide what I feel is a balanced opinion that attempts to weigh all aspects of replacing mercury based amalgam fillings, and you can check out my Fillings page for mercury free filling options for their replacement. To keep things simple, I will keep away from the math and stick to general concepts as each individuals circumstances are different, and the mathematical data varies greatly depending on the study.
Mercury is a Toxin
It is an undisputed fact that mercury is a toxin that can cause all kinds of health problems in humans, and each individual will be affected to different degrees by the same amount of mercury exposure. Factors to consider when dealing with mercury exposure are the quantity of mercury exposure and amount absorbed into the body, the sources of mercury exposure, the long term accumulation of exposure, as well as the bodies ability to filter and dispose of mercury. As it is very difficult to fully quantify all sources of exposure and the bodies ability to filter the mercury, it is prudent to minimize the exposure to mercury, especially for those experiencing symptoms related to mercury toxicity. If you think you might be suffering from mercury poisoning or a hypersensitivity to mercury, you may want to have your mercury levels checked as well as do an internet search on the symptoms of mercury poisoning. If there truly is an issue with mercury poisoning/hypersensitivity, you will want to assess all your sources of mercury exposure. This may include evaluating your diet and environment for mercury exposure, as well as considering the replacement of fillings, especially if you have multiple large amalgam fillings.
Mercury From Amalgam Fillings
It is also an indisputable fact that amalgam fillings release mercury over time. The amount of mercury vapor from the fillings can vary based on type of amalgam filling, size and location, as well as stimulating factors like increases in temperature, grinding forces from chewing, etc. It should be noted that although amalgam fillings contain around 50% mercury, the vast majority of this mercury is bound up in molecular compounds and stuck in the filling. It is only the free, unbound mercury that is most vulnerable to being released from the filling.
What is in dispute with these fillings is the amount of mercury released from the fillings, as well as how much is actually absorbed into the body, and whether the amount absorbed posses a health risk. As this will differ for each individual and be vary difficult to determine without extensive and costly testing, it really comes down to a personal choice as to whether one should have these fillings replaced or not. However, it should be noted that a large portion of the mercury released from the filling is not absorbed by the body (breathed away), and much of that absorbed by the body, is passed through the system. So just because a filling may release X amount of mercury, it does not mean all that mercury is absorbed and trapped into your body tissues.
Risks and Benefits of Replacement
Like most things in life, the replacement of mercury based fillings has both its risks and benefits. These will vary from case to case and person to person as each tooth, each filling, and each person is different. Only when these risks and benefits are weighed and understood, can an individual truly make the right decision for their oral health.
Risks
- Removal of Amalgam fillings can cause a short term increase in body mercury levels.
- Each time a tooth is worked on, trauma occurs to the tooth. Over time, the trauma can add up and result in the tooth dying and needing a root canal treatment.
- Drilling on teeth has the potential for causing cracks in the tooth that can result in further damage and loss of tooth structure.
Benefits
- Replacement with white fillings are more aesthetic.
- White fillings are bonded to tooth structure and return some of the lost strength from when the filling was first performed.
- Long term reduction in mercury exposure.
Replacement Process
There are many theories on how best to go about replacing amalgam fillings. Unfortunately, many of those theories are based on scare tactics and profit making. Ultimately, the technique chosen must take into consideration the various risks to removing the amalgam filling and work to manage and minimize those risks. At Schau Dental, the following measures are taken when patients are looking to have their mercury based amalgam fillings replaced.
- Removal in Chunks: When removing the fillings, every effort is made to remove them in as large of pieces as possible. This minimizes the amount of drilling which helps to minimize trauma to the tooth as well as release of mercury vapor.
- Lots of Water: The use of water spray while drilling out the old filling helps to keep the tooth cool to minimize trauma. Additionally, the water spray helps to minimize the amount of mercury vapor.
- High Volume Suction: Our high volume suction helps to suck up the old filling as well as draw away the mercury vapor. For added safety, the suction system is vented outside of the office to prevent the mercury vapor from re-entering the office.
- Brand New Burs: When drilling on teeth at Schau Dental we only use brand new burs. This ensure we are using burs that are sharp and will cut efficiently. This minimizes cracking of the tooth and helps reduce heat production during the drilling process.
- Staggered Replacement: When someone is looking to have all their amalgam fillings replaced, I prefer to do these in stages with doing one quarter of the mouth at a time. In between, the teeth are allowed to heal, and the body allowed to rid itself of the temporary increase in mercury. This also helps to spread out the cost of replacement and can help preserve resources in case a tooth needs a root canal and crown.
- Rubber Damn: At Schau Dental we use Nitrile rubber damns to help prevent the ingestion of any of the mercury based filling. Many dentists will use latex rubber damns, but these are ineffective at preventing organic mercury from passing through, and organic mercury is highly absorbed through the digestive tract.
So if you are considering replacing your amalgam fillings, and have questions or would like to book a consult, contact us today.