I can only say that I personally favour Austin's approach, but I do know the Essaway technique is very popular here. I just personally have deep reservations. First on the insisted need for the sedation (which is not without risk in itself) and secondly the guarantee all mercury is removed.

Austin says that it's impossible to remove all the mercury because it has seeped into the tooth and will remain there. So, I am not sure how it is possible to get it all out, at least not without taking away a lot of tooth. I'm sure others here know far more on that than I do, and I'd be interested to know how they get the tooth to be zero-mercury. Austin says that once the fillings are replaced, eventually the mercury levels in our bodies will fall from toxic to manageable, but that there will always be mercury present.

Austin takes out the mercury using every possible precaution and fills it with good composite (I think he is still using diamondlite) and can arrange a test of compatibility at biolab (about £50). He didn't check mine for mercury vapour, but did check the voltage for electrical activity. I also got the impression that health of the patient was very important to him, rather than seeing everyone as a potential money-bag (as I have been treated by dentists in the past).

I don't know whether it is better to get all the fillings replaced at once or not - maybe it doesn't really matter - but I personally chose to do it separately, partly for financial reasons and partly for dental phobia reasons. I have about four fillings left now, one big one and three small ones.

I know it's not easy making a decision, and I would hate to influence someone to the wrong decision, but thought you might appreciate someone elses imput - all helps in making up your mind <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> It took me a couple of months to make up my mind.