Studies regarding the effects of amalgam dental filling have been conducted for decades. A recent Canadian study published in Environmental Health suggests that removing amalgam fillings in the proper way leads to improved memory and mental clarity, a reduction in anxiety and fatigue, and many other health concerns as reported by participants.
There is no doubt among mercury safe dentists that mercury vapors are a threat to health, the question of where “safe” exposure lies has lingered. Amalgams are fifty percent mercury. From each filling, mercury is released in the form of odorless, non-visible vapors which cross the blood brain barrier, and also get inhaled into the lungs – leading to chronic, low level exposure. The goal of the University of Calgary study was to assess the risk of adverse health effects associated with exposure.
In this study, the amount of mercury present in participants’ urine was measured. Some participants had amalgam fillings and some did not. In a personal health history, researchers also gathered data pertaining to health issues.
The primary source of mercury in the human body is amalgam from the silver colored fillings. One finding of the Canadian study was that women tend to have higher levels of mercury than men, presumably due to lower body mass and size. Further research was conducted to measure how much improvement, if any, would occur after the removal of mercury amalgam fillings.
One-year post-removal
A year after the removal of amalgam fillings, every subject reported an improvement in their previously stated health concerns. Whether improvement could be tied directly to the reduction in mercury load or to a placebo effect could not be definitively assessed. Regardless of ongoing research, experienced holistic dentists such as Dr. McKenzie subscribe to the philosophy that dental materials absolutely affect other organs in the body. In addition to avoiding the use of mercury amalgams in her practice, Dr. McKenzie has been trained in the specific protocol for the safest removal of existing amalgam fillings.
Proper removal of amalgam fillings makes a difference
In addition to studying the effects of mercury from amalgam fillings, research has also been conducted in the area of amalgam removal. Specifically, the excessive increase in mercury load as a direct result of removal. In the standard removal process, in which the filling is drilled out, exposure to mercury particulates is absolutely increased.
In the office of Dr. Michaela McKenzie, amalgam fillings are removed very systematically using the stringent protocol outlined by the International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology. Decreasing risk and improving the health of her patients and staff using specific techniques, Dr. McKenzie provides the utmost in safe dental care. To learn more about safe mercury removal, contact us at (404) 900-5175.
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