We completely understand if the thought of carrying around potentially toxic substances in your body makes you a bit squeamish. Yet, this is exactly what is happening if you have metal fillings in your teeth. There has been much debate over the years about which negative health effects can be attributed to metal fillings, but many health professionals do agree that they pose harmful side effects for your body.
If your teeth contain metal fillings and you are concerned about the long-term health effects, your best option is to have them removed by a dentist who is certified in safe removal of amalgam fillings. In this article, we’ll explain why and how to protect yourself by getting rid of your old metal fillings.
Why remove metal fillings?
As we mentioned above, metal fillings – also known as amalgams – can be detrimental to your health over time. The amalgam contains silver, tin and zinc, but the material that health care professionals are really concerned about is mercury, which can compose as much as 50% of some fillings. Mercury is widely recognized as a metal that can harm the human body, and it is present in metal fillings and some metal and porcelain crowns.
Following, we have listed some of the numerous health conditions that have been at least partially blamed on amalgams. Although some of them are still the subject of debate, it will give you a good idea about why having your metal fillings removed is a wise health decision.
- Neurological effects including Alzheimers’, Lou Gehrig’s disease, Parkinson’s and multiple sclerosis
- Respiratory problems
- Vision problems
- Cancer
- Impaired fetal development
- Impaired immune system
- Problems with teeth, gums, cheeks and tongue
The right way to remove metal fillings
Removing metal fillings is a process that requires an intense focus on safety for both the patient and dentist. During removal, mercury particles can become airborne and they can enter the patient’s nose, mouth and lungs if the proper precautions aren’t taken. To make sure that you are undergoing the safest filling removal, you need to visit a dentist who adheres to the International Academy of Oral Medicine & Toxicology (IAOMT) standards, which govern the safe removal of amalgam and other metals from the mouth.
When you have Dr. Poss remove your metal fillings, you will receive the highest level of safety. Our approach closely follows IAOMT standards and is centered around using the best practices available to ensure your well-being, including:
- Administering an optional bio-compatibility test before the procedure to ensure that the replacement materials will be compatible with your body.
- Using a rubber dam, aeration device and safety glasses during removal to protect the you from mercury particles.
- Making sure you are breathing pure oxygen during the procedure while the materials are removed from your teeth.
Once your old fillings have been removed from your teeth, we replace them with metal-free materials that are safe for body. The new materials are durable and long-lasting, and they closely match the look and feel of the tooth.
Call Dr. Poss, cosmetic dentist, today to ensure that the materials used to fill your teeth are protecting both your teeth and the health of your entire body.
615-373-1056
