The Institute for Systemic Dentistry says: “Mercury, even in small amounts, is known to be toxic. Its use in dental amalgam fillings has been linked to various health concerns, ranging from minor to severe systemic effects. The concern primarily lies in mercury vapor, which can be released from amalgam fillings during chewing or grinding of teeth, potentially leading to accumulation in the body over time. This exposure has been associated with neurological issues, autoimmune diseases, and other chronic health problems, making the case for safe amalgam removal compelling.”
I originally wrote this article on 1-24-13 and thought it was important to share on my new blog. Some of the links may not work any longer.
Safe amalgam filling removal is something I have been researching on and off for the past few months. I was told by my dentist about six months ago that I have four amalgam fillings that need to be replaced, which first involves removing the amalgam from my teeth.
I shelved this information because I was not entirely sure it was safe to get the fillings out of my mouth. I was not sure which was the lesser of two evils - getting amalgam fillings removed which can then expose your body to a toxic overload of mercury which can lead to a lot of health complications or leave them in knowing that every time I eat or chew gum, some mercury was still seeping into my system. I didn't feel like making the decision yet so I let it simmer.
Just this past Monday, I got my six month dental cleaning and was again reminded that I should get the amalgam fillings taken out and replaced. I was told that if these fillings crack, bacteria can get under the filling and then cause the tooth to decay and can lead to a host of other issues.
I also have a chipped front tooth (I chipped it sometime over the holidays and have no idea how but really want it taken care of). So, my dentist said he could just bond that tooth and it would look good as new.
As I was checking out on Monday at the dentist, I went ahead and made my appointment for next Tuesday to get the four amalgam fillings removed and then replaced and to get my front tooth bonded. I asked the receptionist what procedure the dentist uses to remove the amalgam fillings and I remember her saying that the dentist will have water running on the tooth when removing the filling but I can't remember what else she said. I have since emailed to find out more about the process and am awaiting a response.
When I left the dentist on Monday, I felt very unsettled. I wasn't sure why but just felt like I wasn't doing something right by making my appointment to go in to have these two procedures done.
I have been an avid follower of the Green Smoothie Girl, a.k.a. Robyn Openshaw, for almost a year now. I have read all of her posts on different dental procedures and how unsafe amalgam filling removal can be if you do not have a holistic dentist do the procedure.
But, when I asked my dentist if it is unsafe, he said "no." So, of course because I like him and he is my dentist, I felt like I could trust him. BUT, since I ask other doctors all kinds of questions regarding my family's and my health and do research on what other doctors say to be true, I felt I owed it to myself to delve into this subject further.
That night, before I went to bed, I got my iPad out and googled "removing amalgam fillings." I found some really great websites along with a youtube video about "Safer Amalgam Removal" showing the International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology's (IAOMT) preferred method of removing old amalgam fillings. You can see it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MgIUrj7s3PA
According to Dr. John Whitman Ray, N.D., M.D. (M.A.), "Research has indicated that mercury is the single most toxic metal that has been investigated, even more toxic than lead, cadmium or arsenic." https://users.penn.com/~rarearts/mercurypoisoning.htm
Another website I found https://iaomt.org/safe-removal-amalgam-fillings/ has a lot of great information as well about this subject.
(This website is no longer operating). I also found a website, https://www.dams.cc/, about the non-profit group, DAMS or Dental Amalgam Mercury Solutions. I called their number and spoke to Leo Cashman, President of DAMS as seen here: https://www.nationalhealthfreedom.org/aboutNHFC/board/cashman_bio.html.
According to DAMS, some of the symptoms of amalgam / mercury toxicity include fatigue, low thyroid function (sluggishness, weight gain, loss of sex drive, rough skin, weakened immunity, and more), and depression (including anxiety, panic attacks, shyness, irritability, unprovoked anger). Mercury and mercury amalgams tend to promote fungal yeast infections, which can show up as indigestion and bloating, ear and sinus infections, vaginal yeast infections, toenail fungus, psoriasis, brain fog, short-term memory problems.
I talked to Leo for about 20 minutes and he confirmed that yes, I am right to be extremely concerned about getting the four amalgam fillings out next Tuesday by a regular dentist (vs. a holistic or biological dentist). When I told him my dentist said it is a safe procedure, Leo said, "you are right and he is wrong."
Leo told me that removing amalgam fillings is one of the most dangerous things I could ever do in my lifetime. He said if not done properly, I could get really, really sick. He said he knows some people who have actually developed MS (Multiple Sclerosis) after getting amalgam fillings removed improperly.
He sent me a couple of articles about the preparation and planning for safe amalgam removal (which my dentist said nothing about) and safe amalgam removal - some coaching on screening and choosing a dentist. Leo said if my dentist is not a holistic or biological dentist, he will not know how to properly remove amalgam fillings to keep me safe.
I am currently awaiting a packet of information from Leo that will include holistic/biological dentists in my area. I am eager to receive this information and learn more about this topic.
Today, I canceled my appointment with my regular dentist and am so glad I did. Once I receive the information packet from Leo, I will update you on what I learn about finding a holistic dentist and what they do to keep you safe.
To YOUR Health!
Jen
The information presented on this blog is not intended to take the place of your personal physician’s advice and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. It is for informational purposes only.
