How to Know You're Having Amalgam Fillings Removed the Right Way

Many of us have these amalgam fillings. Too many people feel that they have amalgam toxicity. A lot of times, people need to have these fillings removed because it is chipping or is just wearing down from many years of use. Many years ago, getting an amalgam filling was no big deal. Actually, there was no choice involved, if you needed to get a cavity filled, you just got amalgam. Now, you have a choice. A lot of dentists are not even using amalgam anymore and instead use something made from safer materials, such as resin or composite.

If you are like many of us and need to get a filling replaced, the best advice is to go to a dentist that takes extra precautions in the removal. If a dentist is just going to go in and take it out as if he was just filling it, then run and run fast. Go to a dentist that believes that it is dangerous to remove these fillings. When the filling is being removed, mercury is leaked out and you are breathing it in. During the removal, a patient can be exposed to a thousand times the EPA's allowable level. Sometimes, the patient can even swallow some. The increase in mercury in a person's body can cause many different problems. Illness, memory problems, and chronic fatigue are a few of the possible problems. If a few extra precautions are taken on the dentists part, it does not have to amount to all of those problems. It is not recommended to have amalgams removed while pregnant or breastfeeding unless there is no other option. The mercury vapor would be passed on to the fetus or in the breastmilk. There have been studies that link mercury to autism. It is best to just wait until after you give birth or stop breastfeeding, for your baby's sake.

One precaution that should be taken is that the removal should be done under a cold water spray. A lot of cold water is advisable. A high volume evacuator tip should be kept nearby during removal to evacuate the mercury vapor that is being released. The patient should have an alternative air supply to breath and it should be through their nose. They should not be breathing through their mouth during the removal process. It is advisable to have an air purifier on in the room to help get any mercury vapors out immediately. The best way to remove the amalgam is to do so in large chunks and immediately vacuum the pieces up. Once the removal is complete, all protective gear should be changed and the patient's mouth should be rinsed out with the vacuum as well as cold water for at least a full minute. This can minimize any mercury vapor in the air as well as in the patients mouth.

Some dentists even will prescribe a nutritional diet to follow the days leading up to the removal as well as for a few days to weeks after. Vitamin A, C and E are beneficial to take for at least one week post removal. Eating certain foods are beneficial to getting rid of any mercury left in the body as well. Cabbage, eggs, onions and broccoli are all good choices. Drinking a lot of water is also a recommendation to help minimize the effects that can be felt.

Some dentists will only remove one amalgam at a time and wait about four weeks before removing another. This gives the body time to recover from the procedure and to get any mercury out of the body. Some dentists will just take out all amalgams in the same day. This can be done but is not as gentle as waiting at least a month in between each removal.

Using a dentist that takes all the added precautions is best. Many of these dentists do not routinely use amalgam. Dentists that still use amalgam may not take any added precautions so beware. Your health should be one of the most important things to you so protect yourself and educate yourself on your options. Researching a dentist before having any procedures done is the best way. Don't be afraid to ask if the dentist takes added precautions when removing amalgam. Holistic dentists and mercury free dentists are popping up everywhere. Educate yourself and be safe.