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Archives for July 2019

Do Amalgam Fillings Cause Depression?

Posted on July 20, 2019 by writeradmin.

I’ve been suffering from depression and anxiety my whole life and I’m in my mid-40s now. I have literally tried everything my counselors have suggested over the years, from various forms of clinical therapy through medication and none of it fully works. The depression and anxiety are always there lurking to some degree, plus the medications all come with side-effects I don’t care for. I recently read that amalgam fillings can cause depression and I’ve had several of them placed throughout my life, starting in childhood. If I go in and have them all replaced, what’s the likelihood that it will cure my depression? And, if I can only do a few at once, will I start to feel a difference right away or do I have to have them all done to feel better? How do I get this done?

Thanks in advance,

Rachel

Dear Rachel,

Amalgam and Mercury-free white fillings

This is a great question. Let’s break it down.

Depression and Anxiety are Complex Disorders

Science hasn’t come up with a singular cause for depression and anxiety yet. To make things more challenging, a person often has multiple factors at play. For example, a few causes of depression include:

  • Genetics
  • Medications
  • Abuse
  • Conflict with family/ friends
  • Death or losses
  • Serious illness
  • Personal issues
  • Major life changes and events
  • Substance abuse
  • Low Thyroid

Furthermore, there are many types of treatment. Because our bodies are unique, each person responds differently to each situation. It sounds like you’ve been quite diligent in following through with the recommendations you’ve been given, which is huge. Kudos to you for sticking with it.

Studies Show Links Between Mental Health Issues and Mercury Fillings

One study from 1994 suggests there’s a link between amalgam fillings and depression, excessive anger, and anxiety. The same study also noted that study participants with amalgam fillings have higher amounts of mercury in their mouths when chewing gum, meaning fillings continue to release mercury over time. Researchers surmised that mercury impacts neurotransmitters in the brain, thus contributing to the symptoms of depression.

Another study from 2014 went deeper and found links between amalgam fillings and chronic illness, fatigue, depression, anxiety, and suicide. The study also referenced additional research which suggests removing amalgams can improve symptoms. As of now, amalgam fillings get the green light for safety from all government agencies, but obviously, there’s some evidence to suggest your concerns are warranted.

You Can Go Mercury-Free, But There Are No Guarantees

One thing worth noting is that the researchers bring up concerns of “mercury toxicity,” which is the presence of too much mercury. The trouble is, nobody really knows how much mercury is being released by your fillings nor how much is built up in your system. It could be that you’ve got a “normal” or “safe” amount, in which case the research doesn’t really apply. In that sense, changing out your fillings would not help. But, again, there’s no way to test. At the same time, if you are experiencing symptoms associated with toxicity, then anything you can do to get yourself down to a lower level would, in theory, provide some benefit.

The bottom line: it won’t hurt to change out your silver fillings for tooth-colored ones, and, if you’d feel better trying it, go ahead and try it. However, because there’s no guarantee the amalgam fillings are contributing to your depression, continue to visit your mental health care providers, even if you do start to swap out the fillings.

Safely Getting Mercury-free Fillings

You don’t want to just remove your silver fillings without taking some precautions. Mercury is released in the removal process. Because of that, you need to see a dentist who is experienced in sanitary amalgam removal. If your dentist isn’t familiar with this process, I’m going to suggest you do an internet search using the phrase “Mercury-free Dentist“. These dentists will be able to switch our your fillings safely.

This blog is sponsored by Auburn, AL Dentist Dr. Raymond Bolt.

Filed Under: Mercury-free Tagged With: amalgam fillings, causes of depression, composite fillings, sanitary amalgam removal, silver fillings, silver fillings and depression, switching our fillings, tooth colored fillings, White fillings

Allergic to Her Partial Denture

Posted on July 11, 2019 by writeradmin.

I’ve been sick for a couple of years. It stated not long after I got my partial denture. Then I started getting sores in my mouth and on my tongue. My dentist couldn’t figure out what was going on. Eventually, I just had my doctor run every test possible. It turns out I’m allergic to a lot of metals. Could the metal in the partial denture be what is making me sick?

Andrea

Dear Andrea,

Woman in pain in need of dental care

Metal sensitivities are serious

I’m continually perplexed and frustrated by dentists who don’t understand the seriousness of metal allergies. There should be a standard question on the medical history form about metal sensitivities. Some patients can even have trouble breathing. If you’ve got a metal allergy, then yes, that partial denture is making you sick.

We are a mercury-free practice, but have had patients come in with a mouth full of mercury fillings which they suspect are making them sick.

We are careful to do a sanitary amalgam removal process. When they come in for their next appointment we ask if they’ve felt a difference. Almost always they have had an ailment that disappeared after they get rid of the silver fillings. One particular patient had her arthritis disappear. Most just felt like they felt better overall.

There are metal-free options for you to get as a tooth replacement. You don’t have to have a removable denture either. Often you can have a zirconia bridge to replace the tooth. This is completely metal free. The only downside is you will be required to crown your adjacent teeth.

If those teeth are healthy, you might be better off with a dental implant. These are made from titanium. It’s very rare for someone to have an allergy to this particular metal. Titanium is very biocompatible and has been used for decades in both hip replacements as well as implants.

However, because you’ve already been diagnosed with some metal allergies, you might want to get checked just in case. If you are allergic, there are zirconia implants as well.

This blog is brought to you by Auburn, AL Saturday Dentist, Dr. Raymond Bolt.

Filed Under: Mercury-free Tagged With: Auburn dentist, Auburn Mercury-free Dentist, dental bridge, dental implants, Metal Allergies, tooth replacement options

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