The Basics of Amalgam Fillings: Risks & Removal
THERE IS A GOOD SIDE TO AMALGAM FILLINGS AND A BAD SIDE
The good side is that the material is easy to use, inexpensive and has saved millions of teeth. The bad side is that the material is made with 50% Mercury, which is the sixth most toxic metal we have on this planet.It is an established fact that Mercury can affect the nervous system in many different ways. Many of us have had amalgam fillings in our mouth far over the accepted time period of seven years because Mercury can dull the sensitivity of the tooth. We may be unable to sense certain problems that could lie hidden under our fillings. There have been no scientific reports on the long-term effects of amalgam fillings on the nerve of a tooth.
REMOVING A DEFECTIVE AMALGAM FILLING: 50% Mercury - 50% silver amd other metals
The American Dental Association considers an amalgam restoration defective when the filling is over 6 or 7 years old. "Defective" means the filling changes its shape because of saliva and chewing. It no longer fits in the tooth properly nor maintains a good chewing surface, resulting in an infiltration of saliva and bacteria between the restoration and the tooth cavity. This leads to several complications. One is the formation of decay by the action of the microorganism feeding on the acid contents of the saliva. Not every person with "silver" fillings is susceptible to this problem. Individual resistance to this problem is influenced by the person's genes and immune system. Another problem is corrosion. When there are different metals in the mouth, a battery-like effect is established. The metal ions, such and Mercury, Zinc, or Silver replace the hydrogen ions of the saliva, forming new chemicals that are absorbed into the tooth and bone. This can have a negative influence on the blood circulation and lymphatic drainage systems.
DESCRIPTION OF A TOOTH~
A tooth is alive because it has its own nerve and blood supply, all of which come from the jawbone. The entire tooth, from the chewing surface, called enamel, to the main core that covers the pulp or nerve center, is called dentin. The tooth is connected completely with nerves and blood supply from the outside to the innermost part. Another way to look at the tooth structure is to imagine the tooth like a sponge with many holes in it. Each hole has a branch of the main nerve. What goes into or covers the holes, or tubules, determines the sensitivity of a tooth.
REMOVING A DEFECTIVE AMALGAM (SILVER) FILLING ~
The following procedure includes:
1. Local anesthetic without Epinephrine (a vasoconstrictor)
2. Dental acupuncture: Points include Kidney Meridian for drainage, Parasympathetic point for stress reduction, and Governing Meridian point for easing of tension. Small Intestine point (lower jaw) or Large Intestine point (upper jaw) is also used, depending on which tooth is involved.
3. Patient protection from foreign particles being swallowed and inhaling Mercury vapors with the following methods:
a. * Non-Latex cover (Rubber Dam) to isolate the tooth from the rest of the mouth
b. * Pure Oxygen is inhaled through the nose
c. * Operatory has Negative Ion units that sterilize the air and attract microscopic vapor particles
d. * High-power suction and water to irrigate and remove particles
4. After the amalgam filling is removed, debris and decay are addressed as follows:
a. *Use of decay-disclosing stain to determine the presence of decay
b. * A slow-speed round bur is used to remove decay
I In many situations, the dentin that is covering the pulp, or nerve, is stained either brown or black. When corrosion takes place under the filling, the metallic ions are absorbed into holes, or tubules, in the tooth. This is the cause of the discoloration.
Sometimes this color cannot be completely removed without clipping the main nerve. If the dentin is hard, the discolored part is usually not removed.
RISKS
In instances where the fillings have been in the teeth for many years, it is very difficult to evaluate the health of the nerve, the extent of the internal corrosion, and the influence of metal toxicity. The end result may be complete degeneration of the nerve. This can cause extreme headache pain during the night and the feeling of severe pressure in the com- promised immune system? When there is a choice to either save the tooth by having root-canal therapy, or to extract the tooth, the patient should make the final decision with an overall knowledge of all positive and negative views for each specific tooth in question. I recommend a complete medical and dental examination in making this decision. I will recommend a root-canal specialist Periodontist and/or Physician if needed.
REPLACEMENT OF THE SILVER-MERCURY AMALGAM:
There are excellent choices in dentistry today for restoring teeth. In order to take advantage of modern dentistry, an individual should consider Pro-Biotics, Biocompatibility, longevity cosmetics, Electro-magnetic influences (Battery effect), and chewing comfort when making informed decisions regarding personal health.