Dr. L is a No-Mercury Dentist

Mercury is more toxic than lead or arsenic! Humans have recognized the toxicity of mercury since it first started killing Roman miners nearly 2000 years ago. In modern times, mercury has been proven to cause brain and kidney damage, birth defects, and symptoms of multiple sclerosis. Mercury is a neurotoxin; it damages the nervous system and causes a wide range of emotional and behavioral disorders. Knowing that, one can question why dentists placed fillings with silver and mercury? The concentration of mercury and silver with other metals is about 50% mercury. Mercury changes shape and state, going from a liquid at room temperature to a gas at slightly higher temperatures. It is suggested that mercury vapor is released from silver mercury fillings every time you chew, drink or brush your teeth. The American Dental Association suggests these emissions are minute, but new research continues to suggest how dangerous mercury is. Logically, it seems to Dr. L that once the mercury fillings set into the silver and other metals, the vaporizing of this would be minimal after the amalgamation is completed. Still, there is overwhelming evidence to suggest that mercury is a health danger and should be avoided completely. For example, in 1991 the EPA ordered that mercury be removed from interior latex paints because dangerous quantities of mercury were found to escape in paint fumes. Dr. L. has discontinued the use of silver-mercury fillings and has not placed any in more than 20 years.

There are good alternatives, and the they (composite fillings, gold inlays, porcelain crowns) are better with each generation of new materials developed. Dr. L also removes mercury fillings in a manner which will decrease any potential of additional mercury contamination to our patients bodies. However, a tooth's nerve may be irritated anytime a filling is removed, and a tooth may be sensitive or painful for a while as a result. If a tooth's nerve is ready to die, removing a filling can be the straw that broke the camel's back. Then, a tooth may also need a root canal and crown. We enjoy being here for our patients' best interests, and we want our patients to be extremely well informed.