Nina Foley interview with Dr. Josh Axe on 99.7 WTN
Nina Foley interview with Barbara Rucker on Nashville Net Radio
Mercury Free Dentistry

Silver, or mercury-amalgam dental fillings contain from 48-55 percent mercury, which is a toxic substance; scientific studies have demonstrated that mercury, even in small amounts, can cause damage to organs, glands, blood cells, enzymes and hormones, and have been shown to suppress the body's immune system.

Here's what the well-regarded website WebMD.com says about mercury-amalgam fillings:

"Amalgam fillings are made from liquid mercury mixed with a powder containing silver, tin, copper, zinc, and other metals. It was once thought that the mercury in fillings was permanently trapped in the amalgam. Not any more.

When people chew, the fillings emit mercury vapor that is absorbed by the body. Even for people with lots of fillings, it's a small amount of mercury. But since mercury is toxic even at very low levels, there's growing concern that the mercury in fillings could be the straw that breaks the camel's back for people with other mercury exposures. And dental professionals are routinely exposed to the vapors.

Even now, the FDA does not recommend that people have their fillings removed. But the agency does say that people concerned about the possible health effects of dental fillings should talk with their qualified health care practitioner."

While Dr. Foley's office does not recommend the use of mercury or amalgam-style fillings, it is important to note that a sound, stable mercury-amalgam filling poses no immediate health risk, and is probably better left in place as long as it remains intact and stable. However, when replacement of an amalgam-style filling is called for, many patients wish to have such fillings removed and replaced with new, non-metallic, non-toxic composite fillings.

  

During removal and replacement of mercury-amalgam fillings, some mercury is inevitably released as a vapor.  During such procedures, Dr. Foley utilizes specially developed protocols to minimize your risk of exposure. Dr. Foley's staff will offer you a mask to place over your nose to allow you to breath oxygen. They will place a vinyl sheet (rubber dam) on the teeth Dr. Foley will be treating, to isolate them form the rest of your mouth. A high speed vacuum will be used to suction off debris generated by the old fillings, and another vacuum will pull away the vapor generated to filter the mercury and other toxins out of the air. Surgical drapes will be placed over your body to avoid contamination of your skin and clothing.

Dr. Foley's staff is well-experienced in these procedures and will take extra care to protect you from any potential mercury contamination.  After the old fillings have been safely removed, Dr. Foley will replace them with new, non-toxic, non-metallic composite fillings, which also have the advantage of being white, not silver -- and thus practically invisible to the naked eye.

We have posted additional information about both old-style amalgam and new-style 'white fillings', and you are always welcome to Ask Dr. Foley, with no cost or obligation.  If you prefer, you're welcome to schedule a consultation or appointment with Dr. Foley's office.

To learn more, we also suggest you visit www.DentalWellness4you.com -- a good resource with a wealth of useful information!


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