Mercury fillings, also known as silver or amalgam fillings, have been used as a main filling material since the turn of the last century. Although the material has worked "well" for many people and for many years, several health issues have arisen over their safety. This is because the fillings contain approximately 50% mercury. Mercury is known to be very toxic and will cause health problems with excessive or long term exposure. Mercury is also known to accumulate in the tissues and organs (kidneys, brain, lungs, liver and gastrointestinal tract) over long periods of time.

Mercury from fillings is released during placement, removal and during normal eating function. How much is released and absorbed, and is it significant is still in question.
When we remove existing mercury fillings, we follow IAOMT (International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology) guidelines to ensure they are removed in the safest way with the least possible exposure to mercury.

The latest position of the Canadian and American Dental Associations is mercury fillings are safe for most people, provided that they do not have more than four in their mouth. This does not take into account the size, location or age of the fillings and long term exposure. It also appears contradictory to their recommendation to not place mercury fillings in children, pregnant or lactating women. It also does not explain why we can safely place mercury fillings in the mouth, but outside of the mouth it must be handled with the same precautions as hazardous waste! We cannot simply dispose of the excess material in the garbage!

For any who may be interested, we do have copies of the Canadian Dental Associations position on mercury fillings as well as copies of a book titled "Your toxic teeth" by Dr. Murray Vimy D.M.D.