Mercury Free Dentistry Campbell, CA

A mercury-free dentist, also known as a holistic or biological dentist, is a dentist who focuses on utilizing natural dentistry methods. Biological dentistry is a form of dentistry that addresses the overall health of dental patients when performing necessary dental procedures. The goal of a mercury-free dentist is to utilize the safest and least toxic ways when performing these dental procedures.

Thus, these procedures focus on not using mercury. Mercury is one of the elements often found in traditional dentistry methods and mostly in metal fillings, aka silver amalgams. According to the World Health Organization, mercury is toxic to human health.

Traditional dentistry vs. biological dentistry

Biological dentistry is also known as biocompatible dentistry and takes a holistic approach to dental care. This approach combines the use of other materials for dental care that do not contain mercury and focusing on helping the patient’s overall wellbeing. , which includes not using mercury in any dental procedures. Biological dentistry can describe mercury-free dentists.

In fact, mercury-free dentistry is now replacing traditional dentistry methods with safer dental procedures. While other professionals will still practice traditional dentistry methods, dental patients are encouraged to use modern dentistry options due to the health issues traditional dentistry can cause.

Mercury

Mercury is a toxic element, even more so than arsenic and lead. When mercury is in fillings, it releases small amounts of mercury vapor on an ongoing basis in the patient’s mouth. According to the World Health Organization, the single greatest source of exposure to mercury is through amalgam fillings. This low and continual exposure to mercury tends to build up in the tissues of dental patients and can lead to a number of health issues.

Currently, there is no recommended safe amount of mercury one can be exposed to without the potential of it leading to the development of health issues. The International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology (IAOMT) states that the use of mercury in dental amalgams fillings poses a serious risk to human health.

Mercury-free vs. mercury safe

Mercury-free is a term used when a dentist chooses not to use amalgam fillings for their patients. Mercury safe is a term used to describe dental procedures that use the latest dental tools so a dentist can do their best to limit mercury exposure to their patients as well as the dental team.

Silver amalgams are the same as mercury fillings

Mercury fillings are also called amalgam fillings or silver fillings and are made using a mix of materials like silver, copper, tin and zinc. These various metal materials are all bound together using the toxic element mercury. Since at least half of a traditional filling will be using mercury, dental patients who have silver amalgams are more prone to health issues due to the mercury. Mercury amalgam filling alternative materials include porcelain, composite resin, glass ionomer, gold and more.

The safe removal of mercury amalgam fillings is often performed by a mercury free dentist and can give the patient a mercury-free mouth, leading to their better overall health. Methods for removing amalgam fillings safely for both the patient and the dentist include using rubber dams, high-vacuum mercury vapor removers, high-volume water suction, oxygen to avoid breathing any harmful vapors and keeping the fillings cool. Once the filling is completely removed the patient should immediately rinse their mouth out with water.

Mercury effects

The mercury effects dental patients can experience throughout their life when they have had silver amalgams placed in their mouths are many. The mercury in the amalgam is slowly released as a vapor into the patient’s body tissues over time and tends to disrupt the biological functions of the body. This can lead to various illnesses and imbalances within the body as the vaporized mercury continues to be released.

Mercury in the body can lead to a dental patient experiencing respiratory problems, brain functioning problems, reproductive problems, sexual functioning problems, musculoskeletal problems, cardiovascular problems, endocrine hormones system problems, sensory nerve problems, skin problems, sinus problems, eyesight problems, digestive system problems, immune system problems and additional oral problems.

Mercury poisoning symptoms

Because mercury poisoning symptoms can vary seeking the assistance of a medical professional is recommended when someone is experiencing health issues and has silver amalgam fillings.

Mercury poisoning systems often include:

• Low body temperature
• Feeling exhausted most of the time
• Feeling thirsty all the time
• Experiencing a lot of headaches and/or migraines
• Changes in appetite
• Changes in weight
• Cold hands and/or cold feet
• Difficulty getting to and/or staying asleep

If you would like to learn more about mercury free dentistry and the various treatments we provide, call (408) 657-4185 to schedule a consultation.

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