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Dental
Amalgam is made by vigorously mixing together liquid Mercury,
with a powder of Silver, Tin and Copper. There have been doubts
expressed by many people over the safety of dental amalgam for a long
time. Health concerns about dental amalgam relate to the fact
that mercury has been demonstrated to have toxic effects on living
tissue. In particular nerve or neural tissue.
The
debate revolves around whether the mercury or mercury compounds
released from dental amalgams are at a level high enough to cause
health problems or toxicity in healthy adults.
Beyond
this there are significant environmental concerns regarding mercury
emissions during preparation of amalgam and from the
waste amalgam
removed by dentists or indeed upon the cremation of deceased
individuals. Sweden, Norway and Denmark have already
banned dental amalgam, but it was primarily
environmental concerns that lead to the change in
legislation rather than the health concerns.
There
is a wealth of information available on the risks and benefits of
amalgam and the 2 sides of the debate both defend their positions
vigorously. Of the available information much of it is anecdotal however
there are also many well executed studies that appear to back the
safety of amalgam in use however there are also many studies that
indicate the material may be problematic and damaging to our health.
As a
practice we do not see it as our role to recommend
comprehensive and total amalgam
removal and replacement to prevent or treat health disorders. We
do however respect
the individuals right to choose and will do our very best to help you
gather all of the information that you need to make an informed choice
on this subject and support you through treatment. If
dental amalgams are of
concern to you, often
it is best to take a measured and two pronged approach
to the subject.
Step 1
resolve not to have more mercury
based amalgam fillings placed
Step
2. as existing metal fillings come up for
replacement swap them for metal free alternatives.
Ultimately should you require
treatment, we respect your right to choose the most appropriate
materials for your body. We are committed to
providing quality dental care in line with best practice
and have spent time researching the recommended protocols for the
removal and replacement of dental amalgams. We offer a
full range of mercury free dentistry and metal free dentistry and
when replacing dental amalgams we are able to use the
amalgam removal
protocols.
Here are a few links to additional sources
of information that cover both sides of the debate
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