Is it safer to have a tooth extracted than to have the mercury filling replaced? Are there any risks with extraction? (other than the ones with any extraction?)

I am really worried about this. I only have 4 big teeth in my lower jaw (2 each side). 1 of them is full of amalgam to the root, and I think I should just have it out as it is decayed and broken and hurts to eat.

On the other side, both are covered with amalgan fillings, but they are only surface fillings.

I can't really see the upper jaw, but I have at least 3 small fillings. One tooth with a filling was extracted about 9 years ago.

Are the risks of removal lesser when the fillings are just surface ones?

I am really worried.

PS Just after Christmas, I had an amalgam filling "shaved" by my dentist. The filling was jutting out, so he smoothed it. No dam or anything was given, just rinsed my mouth afterwards. Would this have caused exposure to mercury?

If you are going to get the poison out of your mouth, I highly recommend you read Dr. Hal Huggin's book first. It's called "It's all in your head". He explains the way you should go about safe amalgam removal with a dentist who is on his approved list. Why extract when you can replace with composite fillings? Also, a good mercury free dentist should order an immune compatability blood test for you in order to determine which materials to replace your amalgams with. This way, you know they won't use anything to which you are sensitive. Regarding your second question about the filling that was removed without protection, unfortunately you were probably exposed to some mercury vapors, but there's no way to know how much or whether it's going to cause you any harm. Some people are more sensitive to the effects of mercury exposure than others.

Sandra

Possibly, but I don't want to say that for sure. When a filling is replaced, the mercury has to be ground out which is dangerous when safety precautions are not taken. However, if all the proper safety precautions are taken, I believe it's pretty safe.


Probably; simply because there is less mercury to work with and less mercury dust and less chance of an error taking place.


I would certainly think so.

Also...
If you're interested in the Huggins book Sandra suggested, we offer it here at Herb Allure:

It's All In Your Head by Dr. Hal Huggins

Hope this helps.