Safe Removal of Mercury Fillings With SMART Certified Biological Dentist

Safe removal of mercury fillings offered at Glen Allen, VA biological dental practice

For many years, the use of amalgam was the mainstay in dental fillings. However, more recently, biological dentists have taken a more cautionary approach to the use of metals, and particularly mercury in tooth fillings and other restorations. Many patients are also interested in the safe removal of their mercury fillings. At Virginia Biological Dentistry, patients in the Glen Allen, VA area can rely on Dr. Olivia Hart to make their safety, health, and well-being a top priority in any dental care they receive.

Mercury and its effect on the body

The US Government Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry ranks mercury as the third most toxic substance on the planet, after arsenic and lead.

Mercury is used in dental fillings and other restorations to fill a cavity in a tooth or other dental repairs. Amalgam, a commonly used dental material, is approximately 50 percent mercury.

The toxic effects of mercury poisoning on the body are well documented. According to the International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology (IAOMT), the symptoms most commonly associated with the inhalation of elemental mercury vapors that can be also emitted from dental amalgam fillings include:

Chronic fatigue (Bernhoft, 2011; Echeverria et al., 1998)
Emotional instability (Bernhoft, 2011; Clarkson et al., 2003; Clarkson and Magos, 2006; Magos and Clarkson, 2006)
Dementia and decrease in verbal and visual processing (Echeverria et al., 1998; Clarkson and Magos, 2006; Magos and Clarkson, 2006; Syversen and Kaur, 2012; USEPA, 2016)
Neurological disorders (Bernhoft, 2012; Clarkson et al., 2003; Clarkson and Magos, 2006; Echeverria et al., 1998; USEPA, 2016)
Oral manifestations, gingivitis, metallic taste, stomatitis, salivation (Bernhoft, 2011; Camisa et al., 1999; Clarkson et al., 2003; Clarkson and Magos, 2006; Klassen, 2008; Magos and Clarkson, 2006)
Immune system impairments (Bernhoft, 2011; Clarkson and Magos, 2006)
Rapid changes and abnormal heartbeat (Klassen, 2008)
Headaches (USEPA, 2016)
Hearing loss (Rothwell and Boyd, 2008)
Respiratory problems (Bernhoft, 2011; Clarkson et al., 2003; Echeverria et al., 1998; Klassen, 2008; Magos and Clarkson, 2006; Syversen and Kaur, 2012; USEPA, 2016)
Insomnia (USEPA, 2016)
…and more

Safer alternatives to amalgam

With all the advances in dental materials, technologies, and techniques that have been made, there is simply no need to be exposed to the documented toxic effects of mercury. Several safe, biocompatible options are available for fillings and other dental restorations, including:

Composite resin
Porcelain
Zirconia

Even if you have had amalgam fillings for many years, it is not too late to have them safely removed and replaced with a healthier option. In addition to being better for your body, many of the filling materials nowadays look better too! They are tooth-colored, so they seamlessly blend into your smile.

Mercury filling removal at Virginia Biological Dentistry

While removing your mercury fillings is a great step towards better health, it is important to work with highly qualified SMART-certified dental practitioners such as Dr. Olivia Hart and Dr. Hanna Varno to ensure your safety during the removal process. Our holistic dentist takes several extra precautions in accordance with the guidelines set forth by the International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology to safely and effectively remove mercury fillings without exposing you or the dental team to mercury vapors or particles. To learn more about our mercury filling removal process, click here.

Schedule a consultation to learn more

If you are interested in learning more about safe removal of mercury fillings, call us at (804) 381-6238 or email us at info@virginiabiologicaldentistry.com to schedule an appointment today!.

References

Bernhoft, R. A. (2011). Mercury toxicity and treatment: a review of the literature. Journal of Environmental and Public Health, 2012.
Camisa, C., Taylor, J. S., Bernat Jr, J. R., & Helm, T. N. (1999). Contact hypersensitivity to mercury in amalgam restoration s may mimic oral lichen planus. Cutis, 63(3), 189-192.
Clarkson, T. W., Magos, L., & Myers, G. J. (2003). The toxicology of mercury—current exposures and clinical manifestations. New England Journal of Medicine, 349(18), 1731-1737.
Clarkson, T.W. and Magos, L. (2006). The toxicology of mercury and its chemical compounds. Critical Reviews in Toxicology, 36(8), 609-662.
Echeverria, D., Aposhian, H. V., Woods, J. S., Heyer, N. J., Aposhian, M. M., Bittner, A. C., Mahurin, R.K. & Cianciola, M. (1998). Neurobehavioral effects from exposure to dental amalgam Hgo: new distinctions between recent exposure and Hg body burden. The FASEB Journal, 12(11), 971-980.
Klassen CD, editor. (2008). Casarette & Doull’s Toxicology (7th Edition). New York: McGraw-Hill Medical, 949.
Magos, L., & Clarkson, T. W. (2006). Overview of the clinical toxicity of mercury. Annals of Clinical Biochemistry, 43(4), 257-268.
Richardson, G. M., Wilson, R., Allard, D., Purtill, C., Douma, S., & Graviere, J. (2011). Mercury exposure and risks from dental amalgam in the US population, post-2000. Science of the Total Environment, 409(20), 4257-4268.
Rothwell, J. A., & Boyd, P. J. (2008). Amalgam dental fillings and hearing loss. International Journal of Audiology, 47(12), 770-776.
Syversen, T., & Kaur, P. (2012). The toxicology of mercury and its compounds. Journal of Trace Elements in Medicine and Biology, 26(4), 215-226.
United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA). (Last updated January 15, 2016). Health effects of exposure to mercury: elemental (metallic) mercury effects. Retrieved from https://www.epa.gov/mercury/health-effects-exposures-mercury#metallic