FAQ

If I have my silver fillings removed, will my chronic illness (severe allergies, asthma, chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, etc.) go away?
There is no guarantee that any illness will be eradicated by the removal of your amalgam fillings. Mercury mainly affects the body by altering enzyme systems. As it accumulates, it can affect the brain, heart, digestive system, or any other system in the body. In the brain, it attaches to the beta tubulin of the neurons and alters them, making them permanently non-functional.


After mercury detoxification by one of the physicians with whom I work, many people feel significantly better. I must point out that some do not feel any changes at all. Mercury burden may be the cause or just a contributing factor to your illness. It may not be related to your illness at all. It’s simply another important consideration when dealing with chronic problems.

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What do you use in place of silver fillings?
I use posterior composites or crowns. If the original silver filling is not too large, then a posterior composite is used. If the old filling is large and the tooth is comprimised, then a crown may be necessary.


Clinical Research Associates (an independent organization) has been testing the strength of posterior composites. The newest composites are about 5 years old. After 4 years of comparative testing, composites are showing equal strength and durability to that of amalgams.

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Do you take any special precautions to protect the patient when removing old silver fillings? I understand mercury is released during removal.
Yes, mercury is released when removing an old amalgam. It is very important to minimize the patient’s exposure to mercury vapor. This is accomplished in several ways:

1. The operatory has an open design that allows for maximum movement of air, so mercury vapor doesn’t accumulate.
2. There is a large environmental air system that further enhances air flow, as well as providing air filtration.
3. A “mercury capturing” system positioned several inches from the mouth, prevents re-inhalation of mercury vapor.
4. Very high speed evacuation system.
5. We use an adapter that attaches to the high speed suction called “Clean Up.” The entire tooth is enclosed in a plastic housing. Mercury vapor is reduced 100 – 200 times compared to the traditional wand attachment.
6. Copious amounts of distilled water from the high speed hand piece help to reduce mercury vapor released into the air.
7. The “silver” filling is removed in sections to minimize grinding.
   

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Does a biological dentist look at gum disease differently?

I am very concerned about the level of gum disease in this country. 90% of Americans have gingivitis (inflammation of the soft tissue with no bone damage), and 75% have some stage of periodontitis (supporting bone loss).


The gum tissue should be firm, with no bleeding. A person that has significant gingival bleeding increases their risk of a heart attack by 168%. There is also an increased risk of pre-term, low birth weight; diabetes, type II; and kidney disease. Every time food is chewed, oral bacteria is pushed into the blood stream through tiny openings in the gum tissue.
I will emphasize the need to have the gum tissues healthy, prior to the removal of their fillings.

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What will it cost to have my silver fillings replaced?
Cost cannot be determined without an examination. Some people have a few, small fillings, while others have many, very large ones. It must be determined if a posterior composite or crown will be necessary.

The fee for posterior composites depends upon the size and the surface covered by the old filling.

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Does insurance cover silver filling removal?
Insurance will not cover the removal of “silver” fillings for strictly health purposes. However, older fillings that need to be replaced due to deterioration are covered at the benefit level of an amalgam filling. Providing us with your insurance information during your first visit enables us to effectively help you to utilize your benefits.