Hello, traveler06-ga!
There is still a brewing controversy over whether mercury amalgam
fillings are actually harmful to one's health. Removal is obviously a
personal choice. The greatest danger cited for removal is the
additional exposure to mercury, and proper steps for removal are
outlined in one of the references provided below.
==
The following short article provides a good overview of the current
thinking on the potential dangers of mercury amalgam fillings and some
weblinks supporting each side:
From "Mercury Amalgam Fillings," by Irene LaVergne. MSA of King's County
http://www.msakc.org/Articles/MercuryAmalgamFillings.htm
"Mercury amalgam refers to the "silver" fillings used in dentistry. It
is a compound of mercury, copper, tin and perhaps silver. While this
compound has been used in dentistry for more than 150 years, its use
has come under attack in recent years because of concerns that mercury
will adversely affect one's health. In 1989, the environmental
protection agency declared mercury amalgam to be a toxic substance
under the superfund law. In 1990, the CBS television program "60
Minutes" presented a program in which the possible health dangers were
reported. One of the central figures in this report was Dr. Hal
Huggins, DDS, who had a clinic in Colorado. He became convinced that
mercury was instrumental in the development of a number of diseases,
including MS. He advocated removing all dental fillings and replacing
them with gold or porcelain."
"Two camps have developed since then: those who feel that their
disease is a result of mercury amalgam with many reporting feeling
better after their fillings were replaced, and a second group who
points out that there are no good studies that implicate mercury
amalgam in the cause of multiple sclerosis or other illnesses. Those
in the first group rely on reports from patients about their symptoms
and treatment effects; so-called anecdotal evidence. The second group
has used scientific studies based on epidemiological studies, test
results, and other scientific evidence."
==
Support for Mercury Amalgam:
The American Dental Association statement on Mercury Amalgam:
See the American Dental Association Position Statement - "ADA
Statement on Dental Amalgam." Revised January 8, 2002
http://www.ada.org/prof/resources/positions/statements/amalgam.asp
==
Against the Use of Mercury Amalgam:
See "A SCIENTIFIC RESPONSE to the American Dental Association's
Special Report and Statement of Confidence in Dental Amalgam."
prepared by the International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology.
http://emporium.turnpike.net/P/PDHA/mercury/asr.htm
Removal of Mercury Amalgam Fillings
====================================
** The primary concern from removal is the additional exposure of the
patient to mercury.
Therefore, it is important that the attending dentist be knowledgeable
about removal protocol.
"Mercury amalgam fillings should be removed only by dentists with
experience using the IOAMT mercury amalgam removal protocol (presented
with the permission of the excellent Preventive Dental Association web
page). Such dentists are often experienced with proper evaluation and
placement of composite fillings, both of which can be crucial for the
success of the treatment. Biocompatability tests are often important
in determining which composite materials can be safely used. I believe
that composite (plastic) fillings are a better replacement than metal
(e.g., gold) fillings even in chemically-sensitive individuals. They
are, however, not without safety questions, but are still likely to be
much less toxic than mercury amalgam fillings. Proper placement of
composites should be left to experienced amalgam removal dentists as
the average well-meaning dentist may not be aware of the newer
placement techniques."
From "Amalgam / Mercury Dental Filling Toxicity."
http://www.holisticmed.com/dental/amalgam/
Steps for Removal
====================
The International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology recommends
the following steps for save removal of mercury amalgam fillings:
See "Safe Removal for Amalgam Fillings." IAOMT
http://www.iaomt.org/documents/Safe%20Removal%20of%20Amalgam%20Fillings1.pdf
Choosing a Dentist for Amalgam Removal and Mercury-free Dentistry
==================================================================
The IAOMT has a referral list of dentists who have passed their
educational program for the safe removal of mercury amalgam fillings.
You can search by state or country:
http://www.iaomt.org//findmember.cfm
Dr. Hal Huggins is an alternative dentist who also maintains a
referral list of dentists who provide safe mercury amalgam removal.
You need to call the toll-free number listed on the following link:
http://www.halhuggins.com/default.asp?PageName=The%20multidiscipline%20alliance
==
The Consumer's for Dental Choice website is a good source of general
information. http://www.toxicteeth.org/
The site provides a state-by-state listing of dentists who practice
mercury-free dentistry:
http://www.toxicteeth.org/dentistsDoctorsProducts.cfm
Also see "How to Choose a Good Mercury-Free Dentist," by James E.
Hardy, D.M.D. http://www.toxicteeth.org/choosingadentist.cfm
==
I hope this information is helpful. If you would like to read some
forum messages from individuals who are concerned with mercury amalgam
fillings or have had them removed, please look at the following link:
http://groups-beta.google.com/groups?q=is%20removal%20of%20amalgam%20fillings%20worth%20it%3F&hl=en&lr=&c2coff=1&rls=GGLD,GGLD:2003-47,GGLD:en&sa=N&tab=wg
Sincerely,
umiat
Search Strategy
safety of mercury amalgam fillings
pros and cons of removing mercury amalgam fillings
lists of dentists who remove mercury amalgam fillings
is removal of amalgam fillings worth it? (search under "groups") |
