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Will silver fillings expose my son to mercury?

Posted on by smiles4u.

There’s been a lot of buzz about mercury-free dentists lately and I’m not really sure what to think. I have silver fillings and mine have held up just fine over the years without any issues. But since I’ve become a mom, I tend to be really protective of my son and have tried, whenever possible, to minimize his exposure to dangerous chemicals. I’ve thought about a mercury-free dentist for him, but he really loves our current dentist and I have a feeling it would be really hard to switch. Are the benefits worth switching to a mercury-free dentist? — Maria

Maria,
As it stands now, the American Dental Association (ADA), Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and even the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) stand behind the safety of amalgam fillings. Of course, we all recognize the dangers of mercury, but in doses as small as this, all of the agencies agree that they’re safe. However, many other private organizations continue to question their safety and there’s a big movement to get away from them anyway.

The good news is that you probably do not need to seek out a mercury-free dentist in order to avoid amalgam fillings. Most dentists are happy to work with you and will do a composite (tooth- colored) filling if that’s what you prefer, even if they routinely do metal ones. Rather than try to switch, it’s a good idea to talk with your current dentist and see what his thoughts are. You may be surprised to find out how seldom he does amalgam fillings to begin with. Avoiding them, should your son ever need to have a filling, shouldn’t be a problem at all.

Sometimes dentists do prefer to do metal fillings on kids because it’s easier to make sure they stay put. The tooth colored fillings require cooperation from the patient and a dry mouth. If your son can’t cooperate, or if the dentist feels amalgam is best, then you may want to start searching for an alternative. Often times, a pediatric office can help overcome these obstacles with their demeanor or by entertaining the child while the work is being performed. Sedation or nitrous oxide (laughing gas) can also be offered to help kids stay more comfortable and agreeable in the chair.

This post is sponsored by New Orleans cosmetic dentist Dr. Duane Delaune. Read more about why many consider Dr. Delaune to be the best dentist in New Orleans.

I think my amalgam fillings may be contributing to my migraines

Posted on by smiles4u.

I have had migraines for as long as I can remember. I’ve spent years consulting with my doctor trying to pinpoint a cause of them, but we haven’t been able to find anything specific as far as triggers. The headaches can come on as often as two to three times a week and they are relentless. All I do is hide away in a dark room and pray that my pain medication works. I will do anything to make these things go away and last week I came across some information linking migraines to amalgam fillings. I took this info to my dentist and he dismissed the notion saying there is no specific evidence. Even if there was the slightest chance that I could get some relief by removing my amalgam fillings, I want to do it. The headaches are affecting my quality of life, not to mention my job. I’ve already been written up at work for missing so many days. — Marcia

Marcia,
Migraines can no doubt be debilitating — and frustrating if you can’t pinpoint a cause for them. You’ve brought up a subject that is very much a controversy among dentists these days. The ADA continues to maintain that amalgam fillings are safe, but that hasn’t stopped a growing number of dentists (around half of all in the U.S) who are joining a movement to completely stop using silver/amalgam fillings that contain mercury.

While we know that mercury is toxic, the argument centers more around how much mercury is in these fillings and how much exposure is safe. Most scientists believe that fillings only contain a very small amount and it’s considered safe. Silver fillings have been shown in research to cause several health issues including auto-immune disorders, neurological issues and migraines. There have been a growing number of patients who have improved their health after having amalgam fillings removed. Other countries have even gone so far as to ban the use of mercury fillings.

Even if your dentist does not believe your fillings are the cause of your migraines, it won’t hurt to ask if he would replace them for you. Something else you might consider is a holistic dentist. They focus on not only how teeth work, but also how the body is affected when you have issues with your mouth. A holistic dentist will understand your concerns regarding mercury fillings and will remove them in the safest way possible to ensure the least amount of mercury exposure.

This post is sponsored by New Orleans cosmetic dentist Dr. Duane Delaune. Read more about why many consider Dr. Delaune to be the best dentist in New Orleans.

New dentist refuses to fill my cavities with white fillings

Posted on by smiles4u.

I recently moved to a new town and one of the first things I needed to do was find a new dentist because I have a couple of cavities on my back teeth that need filled. A co-worker of mine recommended a dentist, and when I went to see him he told me that he could only do amalgam fillings on those teeth, even though I insisted on white fillings. He claims the cavities are too deep to do white fillings. I don’t want amalgam, so I left the office quite annoyed. Are the fillings really too deep to do white fillings? Now I’m in search of another dentist who takes Denti-Cal insurance that will do the white fillings.  — Leonard

Leonard,
First of all, the reason your dentist is giving as to why he can’t do white fillings is completely ridiculous. White fillings are better than amalgam for deep cavities because the composite material actually strengthen the structure of the tooth, making the tooth less susceptible to breaking – plus, sensitive to hot and cold is greatly reduced.

I think the problem may be with your insurance and your dentist just isn’t telling you. Denti-Cal is the government dental insurance plan in California and it doesn’t provide benefits for white fillings (because they cost more than amalgam). They don’t even allow you to pay the difference. Unfortunately, if you want white fillings, you’re going to have to pay the full amount out of your own pocket.

This post is sponsored by New Orleans cosmetic dentist Dr. Duane Delaune. Read more about why many consider Dr. Delaune to be the best dentist in New Orleans.

Is my cavity really too deep for a white filling?

Posted on by smiles4u.

I have cavities on two of my back bottom teeth and I requested that my dentist do white fillings. He insists that I need amalgam fillings because the cavities are too big and deep for the white ones. I’m wondering if that’s really the case or if my insurance is the problem and he’s just not telling me. I have Denti-Cal. — Rob

Rob,
For starters, if your dentist is giving you the excuse that your fillings are too deep for white fillings, that’s totally wrong. The deeper the filling is, all the more reason to use white composite. Amalgam fillings can cause sensitivity to hot and cold, and when a filling is very deep, that sensitivity is even worse because the hot and cold is conducted directly into the tooth. Also, when a filling is very deep, the walls of the cavity can be very thin, thus making them susceptible to breaking when amalgam is used. A white filling actually strengthens the tooth structure.

I think the main issue here (and what your dentist is not telling you) is your insurance. Government dental insurance plans like Denti-Cal do not cover white fillings because they are more expensive than amalgam. Most of these plans won’t even allow participants to pay the difference, so you if you want white fillings you’ll have to pay for them out of your own pocket.

This post is sponsored by New Orleans cosmetic dentist Dr. Duane Delaune. Read more about why many consider Dr. Delaune to be the best dentist in New Orleans.

Is it safe to remove amalgam fillings?

Posted on by smiles4u.

I have old silver fillings from a long time ago that I want to have removed and replaced with white ones instead. One dentist told me it was safer to keep the silver ones, as more mercury can be released during the removal process. Is this true? — Marcia

Marcia,
There are some who are concerned that silver fillings due in fact release mercury gas, with the potential to cause health hazards over time. Since mercury is a toxic substance that can cause many health issues, it’s important that old amalgam fillings (which can contain more than 50% mercury) be removed in a safe manner.

Mercury from your old fillings can be released into your body several different ways (i.e. chewing, brushing or teeth grinding). However, the most dangerous way it can be released is through removal; especially if it’s not done in a specific manner. Traditional dentists remove amalgams regularly with little regard to mercury vapor exposure.

Seeking out a specific “mercury-free dentist” places you in the care of someone specifically trained to safely remove old amalgams, minimizing the effect of mercury exposure. They will likely have all the necessary equipment and tools to do the job safely. Currently, the ADA recognizes mercury containing amalgams as acceptable filling material. With that being said, many dentists will use it regularly, as well as advise not to remove them unless there is decay or cracks. As a patient, it’s important to do your own research about the hazards of mercury-based fillings, and look to a mercury-free dentist that can replace them.

This post is sponsored by New Orleans cosmetic dentist Dr. Duane Delaune. Read more about why many consider Dr. Delaune to be the best dentist in New Orleans.

Pain after white filling – will it go away?

Posted on by smiles4u.

My friend recently had a couple of white fillings done by her dentist and I really like the way they look. At my recent appointment to have a filling, I told my dentist I wanted a white filling and he didn’t seem too excited about doing it. He was more interested in telling me about the risks associated with them – like the possibility of infection from saliva. I acknowledged the risks, but still wanted the white filling and he reluctantly did the procedure. It was a lot more painful than I thought it would be, and now, two weeks later, I still have a consistent ache on that side of my mouth. Will it go away? I’m  taking a pain reliever to help, but don’t know if I should call my dentist back. Any advice? — Cecelia

Cecelia,
Unfortunately, you probably pushed your dentist out of his comfort zone. There’s no doubt that when a dentist knows how and is completely comfortable doing white fillings, they will choose them over the old silver/mercury amalgam fillings. There should be no problems with contamination from saliva when a dentist does it right. Your dentist was likely not comfortable with the procedure and that is why he was reluctant, and based on the pain your are experiencing it would probably have been best to back off.

You need to find a dentist who knows how to do white fillings right and that can replace it.  When there’s contamination during the bonding process, bacteria gets in the little tubules of the dentin of your teeth, and it is not sealed against continual contamination. This should be fixed so that you don’t have any further harm to your tooth.

This post is sponsored by New Orleans cosmetic dentist Dr. Duane Delaune. Read more about why many consider Dr. Delaune to be the best dentist in New Orleans.

Can mercury-free dentist help get my blood pressure in check?

Posted on by smiles4u.

I’ve never been a health nut, but I stay pretty healthy and active. At my last medical checkup, the doctor told me that I have high blood pressure, and that he wants me to go on medication to control it. I don’t have a family history of it, and, like I said, I’m healthy. I don’t smoke, and I don’t do anything else that could contribute to it. So, I started researching what options I could try before going on a medication and one thing I came across was my fillings. I have a ton of silver fillings, and I read that those can contribute to high blood pressure. I’m considering booking with a mercury-free dentist to have them all removed. What I want to know is whether it’s really worth it to try it, and whether this is a pseudo-science, or if it’s backed by evidence.  –Joseph

Joseph,
Most agencies say that amalgam fillings are completely safe. The American Dental Association (ADA) still recommends them for most people, and they provide a listing of other authorities who agree with the long-held belief. The Alzheimer’s Association, The Environmental Protection Agency, The Food and Drug Administration (FDA), The Mayo Clinic, and even the American Academy of Pediatrics are listed and quoted on the ADA’s website.

With that said, there is some evidence that seeing a mercury-free dentist may benefit you. Despite the fact that the FDA says they’re safe, they have also printed research that indicates they might not be. “Amalgam fillings have been found to be related to higher blood pressure…” is included in one paper. It also mentions, “The level of mercury released by amalgam fillings is often more than the levels documented in medical studies to produce adverse effects and above the U.S. government health guidelines for mercury exposure.” The very same document discusses how many people who have their amalgam fillings removed feel relief from various conditions afterward.

Taking it one step further, the research also mentions what various agencies believe safe levels of mercury are. The World Health Organization says 300 ug per week or 42 ug per day, the EPA says 2ppb in water is safe, and yet cognitive effects, as well as increases in blood pressure occur at just 1 ug per liter. A standard amalgam filling releases 1-3 ug per day of mercury vapor, though some studies have shown it may climb as high as 27 ug per day.

This is why so many people today are choosing a mercury-free dentist. If you opt to have your fillings removed, there isn’t a guarantee that your blood pressure will drop. There haven’t been enough scientific studies to prove the effectiveness of amalgam removal in regard to blood pressure control. Whether it’s worth a try anyway is truly a personal decision that you will have to make on your own.

This post is sponsored by New Orleans cosmetic dentist Dr. Duane Delaune. Read more about why many consider Dr. Delaune to be the best dentist in New Orleans.

I’m pregnant… will removing amalgam filling harm my baby?

Posted on by smiles4u.

I’m in the last few weeks of my pregnancy and just found out that I have a crack in a tooth with an old large silver filling. My dentist says I need to have the old amalgam removed right away. I am afraid to have this done — I don’t want to expose my baby to mercury vapors. The problem is that my tooth is really hurting, and I’m prone to abscesses. I’m not sure if I should stick it out and wait until after the baby is born or take care of it now.  — Angela

Dear Angela,
I definitely understand your apprehension, and depending on the professional you talk to you may get a difference of opinion. There are many mercury-free dentists that fully denounce the use of amalgam fillings, citing that they release harmful mercury vapors into your body, thus causing a host of toxicities and health problems. A conventional dentist might claim there is no strong evidence to support that concern. There have been a lot of published studies that concluded that fillings containing mercury pose no health risk, except in the extremely rare case that a patient is allergic to them. You can pick your side of the debate.

All parties will likely agree not to remove amalgams during pregnancy, as the removal process could expose you or your baby to more mercury than you would come in contact with as a result of keeping them in. However, in your case, especially if your amalgam is cracked and leaking, and you may be at risk for further infection, problems and pain, it may be the better idea. Just be vigilant that your doctor follows the specific protocols in place for removing amalgam fillings safely to minimize inhalation of mercury vapor.

This post is sponsored by New Orleans cosmetic dentist Dr. Duane Delaune. Read more about why many consider Dr. Delaune to be the best dentist in New Orleans.

Is it dangerous to swallow amalgam during filling removal?

Posted on by smiles4u.

I recently made a choice to have my old metal fillings replaced with mercury-free tooth-colored fillings. While my dentist felt is wasn’t absolutely necessary, he agreed to do it because my old fillings were worn down a bit. During the procedure, I felt a large piece of one of the fillings fall on my tongue. The dentist retrieved it, but now I am wondering if I could have swallowed pieces that were too small to see. If I did swallow some, is it bad for me?  — Rich in Idaho

Rich,
If your dentist is a traditionalist, he likely doesn’t worry much about possible side-effects of mercury or amalgam fillings because he follows the guidelines of the ADA (American Dental Association) and the FDA (Food and Drug Administration). The ADA quotes the FDI (Fédération Dentaire Internationale/ World Dental Federation) and WHO (World Health Organization) on their website by saying, “the small amount of mercury released from amalgam restorations, especially during placement and removal, has not been shown to cause any adverse health effects.”

Today, there are a growing number of holistic dentists, doctors and patients who have concerns whether this statement is accurate. There is no evidence endorsed by a government agency that suggests patients will experience any adverse health effects from  amalgam filling removal, nor does any major agency question the safety in having or placing amalgam fillings. It does, however, sound like your dentist was trying to follow the best practice of removal which includes removing them in large pieces to reduce the total amount of aerosol, as well as keeping the large suction and water sprayer on the tooth the whole time to minimize vapors.

A holistic dentist would do things much differently. Not only would he or she likely use a rubber dam to keep particles and debris from falling into your mouth, they would have used additional suction, air movers, oxygen sources, supplementary barriers and other tools to ensure safety and protection of everyone in the room.

Based on current governmentally-endorsed evidence, you have not ingested enough mercury to become ill. If you are concerned, you may want to seek out a holistic dentist and discuss those concerns before your next procedure.

This post is sponsored by New Orleans cosmetic dentist Dr. Duane Delaune. Read more about Find out why many consider Dr. Delaune to be the best dentist in New Orleans.

Do I need to have my fillings replaced?

Posted on by smiles4u.

I recently saw my dentist and he told me I need to have my silver fillings removed and replaced with white fillings. Unless there is something wrong with them, do they need to be replaced? I can’t afford $3600 right now.

– Lisa from Illinois

Lisa,
Over time, fillings will deteriorate and become leaky. Amalgam fillings can even crack or become corroded. Today, may patients are opting for mercury-free composite fillings because of their many advantages over silver or amalgam.

With that said, your dentist shouldn’t be telling you to replace your existing fillings unless there is something wrong with them (i.e. if they are leaking, bacteria can seep into the tooth in the crack between the filling and the tooth causing tooth decay under the filling, which can be serious.)

Sometimes patients want to have all their old silver amalgam fillings taken out and replaced with white fillings; however that is a personal choice to do so. Your dentist shouldn’t try to talk you into something like that.

This post is sponsored by New Orleans cosmetic dentist Dr. Duane Delaune. Read more about Find out why many consider Dr. Delaune to be the best dentist in New Orleans.