3 Ways That Mercury-free Fillings Support The Total Health Of Your Mouth And Body

Everything that a biological or holistic dentist does or recommends accounts for the health and function of the body as a whole and not just the health of the teeth and gums. Since the materials placed in our mouths can have an outsized and negative effect on the function of organs and systems distant from the mouth, no truly holistic dental office would be complete without practicing mercury-free dentistry. Our team, led by Drs. Al A. Fallah and Sergio Juca, is pleased to define this healthy and safe alternative to conventional fillings at Dentistry for San Diego in Carlsbad, California. We do so in the following three ways. 

1 – Protecting your total health 

We support your overall health and well-being by avoiding the use of dental amalgam. This combination of amalgam of metals is primarily made up of mercury, a toxin whose effects on humans, animals, and the environment have been well-demonstrated. In dentistry, the mercury in the amalgam fillings is continuously released, accumulating in the body. It has been implicated in more than 100 digestive, emotional, muscle/joint, neurological/mental, and other symptoms. These symptoms include diarrhea and constipation, anxiety and depression, cramping and muscle weakness, memory loss, sinusitis, allergies, vision problems, hair loss, and frequent illnesses. 

2 – Placing the healthy (and beautiful) alternative that you deserve

Of course, when you have a cavity or area of decay, it still requires treatment. If you do not treat these smaller areas of decay, they can progress and become much bigger problems. In turn, we “fill in” these deteriorated and weak parts of the teeth to rebuild their strength with mercury-free materials. These non-metals include composite resin and ceramics. In addition to their demonstrated safety and durability, such options can also be matched to the color of the tooth structure that surrounds the filling as well as the rest of the teeth in your smile. No one can tell a filling was placed, as they blend in beautifully — no dark or silver color that does not look like a tooth in your mouth. 

3 – Preventing further damage 

For those who already have amalgam fillings, we encourage prompt removal of these toxic materials. Chronic, untreated mercury exposure via fillings is also associated with a range of systemic diseases, including heart disease, Crohn’s disease, diabetes, Alzheimer’s, and immune system disorders. By removing the source of this toxicity, we also remove this risk factor that increases your odds of developing these and other conditions. 

In addition, we offer a better way of removing these fillings. Holistic practices may be mercury-free and not place amalgam, but they may not be mercury-safe. There is an important distinction here. As a mercury-safe provider, Dentistry for San Diego has acquired accreditation/certification from leading institutions (IAOMT and IABDM) in the safe removal of these fillings. How we remove amalgam matters because the risk of mercury exposure increases during this process. Mercury may be released into our surroundings as vapor and may even be swallowed by the patient as mercury particulate matter during this procedure, when proper safeguards are not in place. Our safeguards are many; they range from protective garments to special equipment that safely removes and collects mercury. By properly handling mercury, we support the health of not only our patients and team but also of the communities in the Carlsbad, California, area that we are proud to serve. 

If you are concerned about a tooth and are seeking out only the healthiest options for your smile and body, call us at (760) 730-1600 to request an appointment today.