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A silver filling is actually a mixture of metals made up of tin, copper, silver, trace amounts of zinc, and anywhere from 48 to 55% mercury. These mixed metals can not only be toxic, but may cause a galvanic reaction, producing electricity that flows through the body and interfering with signals from the brain. The toxicity issue is practically irrefutable. Research has shown that there is a continuous release of mercury vapor and abraided particles from amalgam fillings, and this release is increased up to fivetimes by the act of chewing, brushing the teeth, exposure to hot liquids, etc. The World Health Organization recently concluded that the daily intake of mercury from dental fillings exceeded theamount derived from air, water, and food (including fish). The vapor released from mercury amalgamis absorbed very rapidly and thoroughly by the body, mainly through inhalation and swallowing. Research has also shown that mercury, even in minute amounts, can damage the heart, brain, liver, lungs, kidneys, thyroid gland, pituitary gland, adrenal gland, cells, enzymes and hormones, and suppress the body’s immune system. Mercury can also pass through the placental membrane in pregnant women and permanently damage the brain of the developing fetus. The dangers of mercury become even more insidious due to the difficulty of diagnosing mercury poisoning. Mercury is so toxic to the human body that there can be cell death or irreversible chemical damage long before observable symptoms appear. Organic mercury in some tissues, such as the brain, can have a half-life of up to 25 years, meaning that it takes the body 25 years to get rid of half a single dose of mercury under normal circumstances. It is then only a matter of time and severity of exposure until some form of symptoms appear. For this reason mercury toxicity in dental fillings is nothing to trifle with and the safe removal of silver amalgam fillings by a knowledgeable, experienced, and responsible dentist, who follows strict removal protocols, should not be delayed. These safety protocols include the use of a rubber dam, fresh-air delivery to the patient using a nasal canula, an air-vacuum system that efficiently removes all mercury vapors from the area during the procedure, and respiratory protection for all dental personnel in the treatment area during the procedure. For more information on this subject including safe amalgam removal, contact us.
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