FDA Classifies Dental Amalgam Fillings as Class II (Moderate Risk)

Today (Tuesday, July 28th, 2009) the FDA “issued a final regulation classifying dental amalgam and its component parts – elemental mercury and a powder alloy—used in dental fillings. While elemental mercury has been associated with adverse health effects at high exposures, the levels released by dental amalgam fillings are not high enough to cause harm in patients. The regulation classifies dental amalgam into Class II (moderate risk).” (http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm173992.htm)

Moments later, the ADA issued a press release stating it agrees with the FDA’s decision.

So what does this mean for you? It means that dental amalgam fillings (often referred to as mercury fillings or silver fillings) will still be used in most dental offices despite the potential long term health risks to patients and workers alike.

“But if there are potential long term health risks, why didn’t the FDA ban the fillings?”

Good question. In fact, the FDA acknowledged the risks associated with mercury fillings when they issued their decision. However, they decided that the risk didn’t outweigh the difficulties of banning the fillings.

“Dental amalgam contains elemental mercury. It releases low levels of mercury vapor that can be inhaled.” (http://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/ProductsandMedicalProcedures/DentalProducts/DentalAmalgam/ucm171094.htm)

The FDA admits that dental amalgam fillings release low levels of mercury vapors. Because Mercury is a heavy metal, low levels of mercury vapors have been proven to accumulate in the body. Over time, that low level surpasses the “safe” amount of mercury specified by the FDA and can cause long term chronic health and neurological problems.

The bottom line? Politics have once again stood in the way of science and have put the public at risk for health problems.

The good news? You still have a choice. It’s actually quite similar to bans on smoking in public places: in states that still allowing smoking in restaurants, you have the choice to eat at another restaurant to avoid the health issues associated with second hand smoke. In the case of dental amalgam fillings (and the mercury vapor present in dental offices that place the fillings), you can choose to visit a dentist that doesn’t work with mercury.

While the classification by the FDA is a defeat in the fight against mercury, you still have options. And by choosing a mercury-free dentist, you are making the biggest stand of all.

Dr. Marvin

PS: If you’d like to read the entire classification of Dental Amalgam by the FDA, click here: http://www.fda.gov/downloads/MedicalDevices/ProductsandMedicalProcedures/DentalProducts/DentalAmalgam/UCM174024.pdf.

PPS: The FDA did today reclassify the mercury component of dental amalgam fillings from Class I (low risk) to Class II (moderate risk).

Dangers in Dentistry: Episode 1

This is the pilot episode of our new radio show that’s airing weekly on KPRZ in San Diego.

This 30-minute episode explains the dangers of amalgam fillings, the dangers of mercury vapors in dental offices (even if you don’t have silver fillings!), and what you can do to protect yourself.

Enjoy!
Dr. Marvin
San Diego, Encinitas Holistic Dentist

Mercury Free Dentistry

The Dangers of Mercury (Amalgam) Fillings and What it Means to You.

For decades dentists have been placing “silver” fillings to repair cavities and halt tooth decay. Despite the common “silver” moniker, these fillings contain very little silver at all. Instead, they are a mixture of metals that create an amalgam. One of those metals is arguably the most toxic metal on Earth: Mercury.

Every day around the world dentists continue to place fillings that contain mercury despite the proven links between mercury and dementia, birth defects, Alzheimer’s, and more.

So why, if these fillings are so toxic, are they still placed in patient’s every day? The answer is simple: economics.

There are 4 major reasons why a dentist still uses mercury fillings.

1. Mercury fillings are easy to do for a dentist. It is not as technique sensitive than say a composite or plastic filling.
2. Mercury fillings are covered by most insurances.
3. Customers or patients will pay for these fillings because they are cheaper.
4. Mercury fillings last a long time without any physical symptoms.

None of the reasons should trump your long-term health and the long term health of other patients that visit the dentist (mercury vapors can remain in the air up to 30 minutes after a filling is placed, so if you visit the dentist after someone had a filling placed, you could be inhaling toxic mercury vapors).

That’s why we never place amalgam fillings at The Center for Natural Dentistry in San Diego. In fact, we’ve gone above and beyond “not placing” these fillings — we have developed one of the most comprehensive amalgam removal programs in the nation. We employ safety techniques used in fewer than 1% of dental offices in America, ensuring that the removal of your amalgam “silver” fillings are removed safely every time.

To learn more about the dangers of amalgam fillings and mercury toxicity, please take a look at our resource center by clicking one of the following links:

Mercury Toxicity and the Dangers of Amalgam Fillings

Mercury Vapors and The Smoking Tooth Video

Safe Mercury Removal: Protecting Yourself and Your Future

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Find out why the government has been keeping the dangers of your fillings a secret… and what you can do to protect your long-term health!

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Invisalign

SPECIAL OFFER – Invisalign Treatment for $98/month  (oac).  Please call or email us today for more information.

Do you want straighter teeth? Maybe a better smile? Are you passed the point where “brace face” is a socially acceptable moniker? Invisalign may be your ticket to dental perfection.

Invisalign–one of the top technological advances that orthodontia has seen since braces replaced head gear–is a clear, paper-thin mouth piece that fits comfortably over your teeth. It straightens teeth, improves aesthetics, and allows for an inconspicuous way to fix your smile, especially if you feel you’re too old to have braces.

Invisalign is one of the special treatments we offer at The Center for Natural Dentistry. In fact, our office is one of only a handful of dental offices in San Diego to offer this extraordinary treatment.

So what exactly does Invisalign do, and how does it replace traditional braces?

In most cases, Invisalign is a great alternative to traditional braces. It can help fix:

• Overly crowded teeth. When there is not enough room in the jaw for all of the teeth to fit comfortably or normally (one to five millimeters).
• Widely spaced teeth. When there is too much space between the teeth due to abnormal growth of the jaw or shifting of the teeth due to missing teeth (one millimeter to five millimeters).
• Overbite/overjet. When the upper teeth bite over the lower teeth.
• Crossbite. When the upper and lower jaws are misaligned, causing one or more upper teeth to bite on the inside of the lower teeth, on either the front and/or sides of the mouth.
• Mild relapse. After traditional braces have been removed, when some relapsing tooth movement has occurred.
• Invisalign may also be a treatment alternative for certain simple malocclusions (bite irregularities).

Unfortunately, Invisalign is not for everyone. To find out if it’s right for you, call us at The Center for Natural Dentistry to schedule an appointment: (888) 825-5351.

Invisalign and Holistic Dentistry

While Invisalign is not a “holistic treatment,” it is an environmentally safe product AND a product that is safe for YOU and full body wellness. There are no toxins to leach into your body and, in fact, Invisalign can help improve your whole body health: an improved bite alignment alllows for better jaw and dental health, which can lead to better complete wellness for your entire body.

Find Out If Invisalign is Right For You

To find out if Invisalign is right for you, give us a call today (888) 825-5351 for a free consultation. We will analyze your bite and present your best dental options.

SPECIAL OFFER – Invisalign Treatment for $98/month  (oac).  Please call or email us today for more information.

Green Dentistry. Is there such a thing?

In my search for the best information for my blog, I’ve scoured the internet looking to see if there is such a thing called “Green Dentistry.”  With it being hip to be green, from hollywood celebrities to corporate jaggernauts, I’m surprised not many dentists have adopted the concept.

It is common however for dentists to jump on the bandwagon.  Though lately I’ve given more thought to it than most dentists, here ar e few things that any dentist may consider when going green.

1.  Removing mercury fillings and SAFELY discarding them.  I’m not going to mention too much about the mercury toxicity debate but I am going to mention that it is a requirement to dispose of the hazardous material properly.  I know that in my previous office, strict protocols were needed to monitor the substance and extra equipment like amalgam separators.

2.  Energy savings in the office.  As dentists, we want to have nice well-lit offices to create a pleasant environment, but is it right to do at the expense of energy?  Not to mention, the added costs to light up and power the computers and other dental equipment.

3.  Conserve on disposables.  A lot of dentists use barriers to cover up surfaces but all of these plastics and paper products add to landfills.  Dentists should instruct their staff to use spray and wipe techniques to disinfect surfaces.

4.  Paper in the office.  Whenever you go to the dentist for the first time, the first thing they do is give you a clipboard with several pieces of paper… commonly called “The Paperwork.”  Nowadays, offices are computerized and an online form is becoming more popular.  They even have signature pads for you to sign.  The term paperless would be difficult these days but a chartless dental office is now feasible with current software.

5.  Chemicals.  With the advent of digital xrays, dental offices are able to eliminate the need for x-ray developing chemicals.  Choose an office with digital xrays.

6.  Text and email communications instead of postcards and mailed statements.  Another way to cut down on paper is with the use of the internet and cell phones.  People actual prefer a text or email reminder as opposed to a phone call.

This list could be a whole lot longer but these 6 tips are a good way to start.  Feel free to print this out and give it to your dentist.  They may even give you a discount on your next cleaning!

Dr. Marvin

ps.  I’m still working on a book for dentists on how to be environmentally friendly.  Subscribe to this feed for the latest updates.