So you have a visit scheduled at the dentist. Fearful? With exciting advances in technology you shouldn’t be anxious any longer. Some offices have digital radiographs to greatly reduce x-ray exposure. Intraoral cameras that can show you up close where dental problems may be brewing so early intervention might mean less extensive treatment. Modern brushing, flossing and irrigating equipment and techniques can mean fewer trips to the gum specialist. Listening to your favorite CD or perhaps overhead cable TV can be a wonderful distraction. Many offices even offer Sedation to allow the ultimate in relaxation during the dental visit.
Nonetheless, in spite of all these advances and amenities there is still something in the dental office to be worried about. Mercury-containing silver fillings. They represent a 150 year-old technology that is still employed today in most dental offices. Despite often being referred to as “silver fillings” or “silver amalgam fillings”, they actually contain over 50% mercury. And, unfortunately, it has been proven that the mercury in the amalgam fillings is not stable but rather leaches out into the oral cavity at rest. The mercury vaporization increases when the fillings are stimulated or heated such as when brushing or eating a hot meal. This vaporized mercury is then inhaled, picked up by the bloodstream and carried throughout the body for storage in the tissue of the brain, kidneys, liver, thyroid etc. Mercury is a known neurotoxin, one thousand times more toxic than lead and is the most toxic, non-radioactive substance known to man. With so many other technological advances in dentistry, it is disappointing that this ancient technique is still employed even today. Informed Consent is not even required in most states.
This is where Holistic Health Focused Dentistry can step in and make a difference. Holistic dentistry goes to great lengths to be mercury “safe”. Not only does Groton Wellness no longer place mercury silver fillings, but they are extremely careful to make sure that any existing mercury silver fillings are safely removed to avoid further contamination of the patient or the dental staff and office. Of the many things that set Holistic Dentistry apart from Conventional General Dentistry it is the practice of being “mercury safe” that is perhaps the most important, not only to protect your health but also that of the environment. “Healthy Green” dentistry it may also soon be called. Written by Jean Nordin-Evans DDS