By EKalman February 14, 2023 - 1:48am

To fill cavities, mercury fillings are used. They are composed of various metals but usually contain 50% mercury by weight.

These amalgam fillings emit mercury, which is harmful to your oral health and may also be absorbed by your brain, kidneys, liver, lungs, and gastrointestinal tract.

Because the word "mercury" is rightly associated with poison, the conventional dental community has come up with much nicer words to describe what they're putting in the mouths of dental patients.

Are Mercury Fillings Still Used?
Yes, people still use mercury fillings. They are most likely the most widely used cavity filler.

Mercury fillings, which have been used in the United States for over 150 years, have been controversial since their introduction.

When dental amalgam was first introduced, the only US dental association declared that using mercury fillings was malpractice. However, by the mid-1800s, fatal cases of methylmercury poisoning were being reported.

But then came the American Dental Association (ADA). They have since defended the controversial use of dental amalgam, which clearly poses public health risks to many people.

Instead of using dental amalgam to fill cavities, look for a "mercury-free" dentist who can fill your cavity with a mercury-free alternative, such as porcelain or composite fillings. You're not potentially exposing yourself to the negative effects of mercury toxicity this way.

I discuss who is most at risk of mercury exposure from dental amalgam below, as well as whether you should have your mercury fillings removed.

How Much Mercury Is in Amalgam/Silver Fillings?
Amalgam/silver fillings have approximately 50% elemental mercury by weight.

When did mercury stop being used in fillings? Unfortunately, the vast majority of dentists have never stopped using mercury in fillings. In the United States, dental amalgam is still used by roughly half of all dentists as a low-cost dental filling material.

Dental amalgam, according to the American Dental Association (ADA), "contains a mixture of metals such as silver, copper, and tin, in addition to mercury." As if "in addition to" would minimize the massive amount of mercury inserted into patients' teeth!

What exactly is dental amalgam? The following is a rough breakdown of low-copper amalgam:
- 50% mercury
- 22-32% silver
- 14% tin
- 8% zinc
- Other trace metals

Should You Have Amalgam Fillings Removed?
Yes, if your dentist examines your specific case and determines it is prudent, you should have your amalgam fillings removed. That's the straightforward answer.

Dental professionals should make this decision with their patients on a case-by-case basis. The problem with removing mercury-based restorative material is that the act of removing it may expose you to more mercury than leaving it in.

If any of the following apply, consult your family dentist about having your fillings removed:
- You have significant mercury levels in your blood.
- You are showing signs of mercury toxicity (insomnia, muscle weakness, dizziness, mood swings, headaches, tremors, etc.)
- For decades, you have had or may have had mercury fillings.

First and foremost, you should have your mercury levels tested. If you don't have a significant amount of mercury in your blood or aren't experiencing any noticeable side effects, removing your amalgam fillings may not be worth it.

Another factor to consider is whether you are pregnant or nursing a newborn.

You are most exposed to mercury in the 24 hours following the placement of dental amalgam fillings and again in the 24 hours following their removal.

Should you get your mercury fillings removed? Yes, mercury fillings should be removed if your family dentist has examined your situation and determined it is necessary.

If you have no allergic reaction, chronic health issues, or detectable mercury levels, removing amalgam fillings may expose you to more mercury for no apparent reason.

If you need mercury fillings removed, go to a "mercury-safe" functional dentist who uses the SMART method of mercury removal.

After your mercury fillings are removed, you should compare your post-op mercury levels to your pre-op levels, limit your fish intake for a while, and follow a detox diet. Remember to limit your EMF exposure!