There’s a new conversation happening about the safe removal of mercury fillings.
More and more people are deciding to replace their mercury fillings out of concern for the known negative effects on health and wellbeing. As a result, it’s created a whole new focus on the safe removal of mercury fillings.
The conversation for both dentists and patients has shifted from the risks of having mercury fillings to the risks associated with having mercury fillings removed.
I’ll explore this conversation more and share what you need to know about the safe removal of mercury fillings.
What if you already have mercury in your mouth?
If you already have mercury fillings in your mouth, it might be time to decide whether or not removing them is right for you.
Some people choose to remove mercury fillings for health reasons. They feel that some of their symptoms are associated with mercury. Others remove them for aesthetic reasons. They don’t like how mercury fillings look when they smile.
And some people are on a journey to a healthier overall state and decide to have their mercury fillings replaced as a part of that journey.
All this has generated a new awareness about the potential risks associated with the removal procedure itself.
The risks associated with removing mercury fillings
Removing and replacing mercury fillings is not as simple as one would think, not safely anyway. Did you know that most dental offices don’t follow standardized safety protocols? Scary, right?
Mercury fillings emit mercury vapour in the mouth on chewing, grinding, biting, which is a good reason to have them removed. During the removal process, if not done correctly, the exposure to mercury vapour increases significantly.
It can be dangerous to the patient, dentist, and dental team involved. This is why I chose to complete the Safe Mercury Amalgam Removal Technique (SMART) certification from the International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology (IAOMT).
SMART certified in the safe removal of mercury fillings
SMART is a research-based set of recommendations to reduce mercury exposure during the removal, handling, and disposal of dental mercury fillings. It prioritizes safety measures, utilization of specific equipment, and the overall wellbeing of the people and environment connected to the process.
It requires a thorough understanding of:
- Science-based biologic dentistry
- Mercury and its properties
- The safe mercury filling removal technique
- Detoxification of heavy metals
- Dental amalgams’ impact on the environment
IAOMT training and certification help to mitigate known risks associated with the removal procedure to ensure the safety of everyone involved.
Mercury-free dental office vs. mercury-safe dental office
A mercury-free dental office means that the office does not use any materials made of or containing mercury, like amalgam fillings.
A mercury-safe dental office means that everyone in the office has in-depth knowledge about the safe handling and disposal of products containing mercury. If you are considering having your mercury fillings removed, look for a mercury-safe dental office.
How to find a dentist to remove your mercury fillings
If you decide that mercury filling removal is right for you, the next step is to figure out who the right dentist is to perform the procedure. Here are 3 tips to help you on your way:
- Do your own research: Fully understand the removal process, risks, and benefits
- Find a SMART-certified dentist, at a mercury-safe dental office to feel confident in your decision to have your fillings removed
- Remember the difference between a mercury-free dental office and mercury-safe dental office
Where to find more information about mercury filling replacement
I write extensively about mercury on the blog. If you are interested to learn more about mercury fillings and how they are viewed from a holistic dentistry perspective, read on:
Why Consider Mercury Filling Removal
How to Decide if Mercury Filling Removal is Right for You
Holistic Dentistry Warns: Mercury Exposure Occurs Through Silver Fillings
This is an interesting video that actually shows the mercury vapour that is constantly released from mercury fillings.
Want to learn more about the safe removal of mercury fillings or holistic dentistry? Click here to fill out a contact form or call 905-338-6684 to connect with Dr. Bis.