Safe Mercury Amalgam Removal, Cary
Mercury is the second most toxic element known to man, and can pose health risks to patients. At Holistic Dental Centers, we specialize in safe mercury removal.
We are trained to safely remove mercury fillings from patients’ mouths so that they are not exposed to harmful vapors during the process. To do this, we use rubber dams, high-efficiency air filtration systems, high-volume evacuation, high volumes of water, and precise gross removal of metal. We also work with physicians who offer chelation therapy, the process of removing metal toxins from the cellular level.
About Amalgam (Mercury Fillings)
Amalgam (often called silver fillings) typically consists of five different metals, with the largest content being mercury. The other metals present are silver, copper, tin, and zinc. Mercury is roughly 45-54% of the amalgam.
There are many reasons for amalgam removal. One is medically diagnosed mercury (or other heavy metal) toxicity – probably the most hotly debated subject in dentistry and medicine. Another reason is to assure the structural integrity of teeth. Metal fillings cause long-term fractures of teeth, which may lead to root canal therapies and extractions. Some patients request amalgam removal for cosmetic reasons.
When removing mercury fillings, we observe the same protocols without regard to the reason for removal. Observing safe mercury removal protocols is essential to both the safety of the patient as well as to the practitioner and staff. We know that when amalgam (mercury) fillings are removed, there is significant vaporization of mercury. Care must be taken to prevent breathing contaminated air, as well as ingesting amalgam particles.
Protocol for Mercury Removal
We work closely with physicians to allow the patient to be in the best cellular health possible before removal. We also offer referrals to local physicians who provide IV Vitamin C after the removal of amalgams. In addition to this natural aid in protection from Mercury that is absorbed, we use a non-latex rubber dam, high volumes of water, high-volume extraction, negative ion generators, high efficiency air filtration and air exchange. We also follow the Huggins protocol of mercury removal.
Biocompatibility for Mercury Removal & Replacement
With patients more and more aware of the toxicity of our environment, there are more people asking about what materials are being used. We agree with this approach and offer outside laboratory compatibility testing for patients wanting to restore their mouths with safer materials. Everyone has their unique reactivity to foreign materials, so without a compatibility test, it is only a guess as to what material should be placed in your mouth.
Dr. Carl McMillan is a holistic dentist with a medical degree from the College of Dental Medicine of the Medical University of South Carolina. Due to his expertise, he was honored with the International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology (IAOMT) presidency. He is compassionate towards patients and committed to providing them with safe, toxic-free dental treatments to help them maintain a happy and healthy smile.
Dr. Luis Crespo obtained his Doctorate of Dental Surgery from the West Virginia University School of Dentistry. An IAOMT member, he believes prevention is the best medicine and strives to educate both patients and parents on the benefits of maintaining a healthy mind, body, and spirit. He has served underprivileged communities across the world.
Dr. Erin Wilbanks graduated from Louisiana State University School of Dentistry in New Orleans with a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree. She is an accredited IAOMT member, is SMART (Safe Mercury Amalgam Removal Technique) certified and is a member of the Academy of General Dentistry.
