Mercury Fillings: Dangers & Safe Removal

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Dentistry is a field of constant innovation. Even the ways we treat tooth decay differ from those 100, 50, and even 10 years ago. Today, we have holistic cavity treatments that help remove decay while ensuring the health of your overall mouth and body. Additionally, we offer preventative treatments to avoid issues from arising.

However, we're still plagued by old practices known to be risky today, and applying amalgam or mercury fillings is one of these practices. Finding a dentist trained to remove mercury fillings safely is key to restoring your health. In this article, we'll explain what these types of restorations are and what risks their careless removal poses.

What Are Amalgam or Mercury Fillings—And Why Are They Approved?

Mercury fillings, a method for restoring teeth after cavities, have been used in the United States for around 150 years. Amalgam, or metal fillings, are made of various materials, like silver, zinc, and tin. Still, they typically contain 50% mercury by weight.

Mercury was first used as a cavity-filling material because it was easily malleable and antibacterial. However, these amalgam fillings release mercury over time, which is bad for oral health and may also be absorbed into the brain, kidneys, liver, lungs, and gastrointestinal tract.

The use of mercury fillings was deemed malpractice by the only US dental association at the time dental amalgam was introduced, after fatal cases of methylmercury poisoning were turning up by the mid-1800s.

After that, however, the American Dental Association (ADA) was established. Since then, the ADA has defended the problematic use of dental amalgam, which undoubtedly puts many people's health at risk.

Should I Get My Mercury Fillings Removed?

Because mercury exposure peaks within 24 hours of both dental amalgam filling placement and removal, it's essential to check your mercury levels first. This helps determine if removing the fillings is the safest and most beneficial option for your individual health.

If your mercury levels are not elevated and you're not experiencing any obvious side effects, removing your amalgam fillings might not be necessary. However, removal is often recommended for patients in certain risk groups, including:

• Children under the age of 15

• Pregnant women

• Breastfeeding women

• People who grind their teeth

• People who have had amalgam fillings for a long time

• People already regularly exposed to heavy metals (such as people who work with industrial mercury)

Understanding the Right Method for Removing Mercury Fillings

Mercury fillings should never be removed carelessly or without following the proper safety procedures. This is essential for safeguarding patient health, ensuring the safety of all employees, and complying with environmental safety regulations regarding the disposal of mercury-containing items.

We therefore adhere to the Safe Mercury Amalgam Removal Technique, or SMART protocol, which consists of:

• Using a rubber dam  

• High-volume water spray and suction  

• Air filtration units  

• Protective equipment for employees and patients  

• Waste disposal systems that use amalgam separators  

Afterward, it is crucial to compare your post-op mercury levels to your pre-op levels to ensure you didn't suffer significant exposure. Additionally, restrict your intake of fish for a while and follow a detox diet after having your mercury fillings removed.

The Risks of Mercury Filling Removal

Improper mercury filling removal poses several health risks to the patient, such as:  

• Mercury Vapor Inhalation: Dental amalgam contains about 50% elemental mercury by weight. When drilled without proper safety protocols, it releases mercury vapor, which can be inhaled and absorbed into the lungs. Chronic exposure has been linked to neurological, renal, respiratory, and immunological effects.  

• Acute Mercury Exposure: Improper removal can release large vapor spikes, potentially causing acute symptoms like dizziness, headache, metallic taste, fatigue, and shortness of breath in sensitive individuals.  

• Allergic or Toxic Reactions: Mercury is a known allergen and neurotoxin. Some patients may experience hypersensitivity reactions, especially if fragments are left behind or swallowed.  

The dental team will also be at risk during improper mercury filling removal:

• Occupational Exposure: Without proper scavenging systems, dental staff are at risk for long-term low-level exposure, particularly if mercury hygiene protocols (rubber dam use, high-volume suction, air filtration) are not followed.  

• Contamination of Operatory: Mercury particulates can settle on surfaces, contaminating dental units, instruments, and clothing, potentially leading to ongoing occupational exposure.

Signs of Mercury Exposure  

As you can see, removing mercury fillings is a complex, frequently dangerous process. Still, when patients already exhibit signs of mercury exposure, prompt removal can be the only way to recover their health. According to a Norwegian study, patients who had been suffering from a variety of mercury-related health issues actually felt better after the removal.  

Some signs to look out for that may indicate the need for amalgam filling removal include:  

• Neurological problems, such as tremors or uncontrollable shaking, memory problems, insomnia or sleep disturbances, irritability or mood swings, anxiety or depression, tingling sensations (especially in hands, feet, or around the mouth), difficulty concentrating, or headaches.  

• Respiratory problems like shortness of breath, chest tightness, persistent cough, or a metallic taste in the mouth.  

• Gastrointestinal problems like nausea, diarrhea, abdominal cramping, loss of appetite, or bad breath.  

• Immune and skin reactions like rashes or peeling skin, sensitivity or allergic-like reactions, and autoimmune flare-ups (in susceptible individuals),  

• Oral problems like swollen, bleeding gums or excessive salivation.  

• Visual issues such as blurred vision and red or inflamed eyes.

Count on Us for a No Mercury, Holistic Cavity Treatment to Protect Your Smile  

Cavities are a common, easily solvable dental issue among patients of all ages. Mercury poisoning, on the other hand, can be much harder to treat. To protect yourself and your family, it is essential to look for a “mercury-free” dentist who can fill your cavity with an alternative material like porcelain or composite.

This ensures you don't potentially expose yourself to the adverse effects of mercury toxicity. And if you already have an amalgam filling and want it removed, the team at Healing Arts Dental can help. We're trained to perform safe filling removal with minimal mercury exposure, so contact us today, and let's create a personalized treatment plan for you!