Safe Amalgam Removal

Amalgams are metallic dental fillings consisting of:

• Mercury (50%*)
• Silver (22-32%)
• Tin (14%)
• Copper (8%)
• Other trace metals, which may include zinc, indium, palladium or platinum

*Approximate values

Once the most commonly used restorative material in dentistry, its use has declined since the 1980’s with the advent of the tooth coloured dental restorative materials, such as composite resin.

Though dental amalgams are long lasting and economical, there has been a growing concern over the potential medical and environmental impacts of the use of amalgams, due to their mercury content, including possible links to Alzheimer’s disease, multiple sclerosis, neurobehavioural changes and autoimmune diseases.

There is very little doubt about the toxicity of mercury to humans and the accumulative damage it can cause to the environment, but whether the mercury in dental amalgam is a significant contributing factor remains to be conclusively proven, though some countries, such as Sweden and Norway, have introduced legislation to prohibit the use of amalgam fillings.

Regardless, we take removing and replacing amalgams very seriously and we take every precaution necessary to minimise any mercury exposure not only for you, but also for us. The precautions we take are outlines below

We recommend seeing your holistic GP, naturopath or chiropractor before endeavouring to replace your amalgams electively to ensure that your body is prepared to deal with any mercury exposure, whether that is through dietary or other means. We are happy to co-ordinate with them to ensure the best possible care is taken.