Dear All,

I'm about to have my amalgams removed and, having read some people's experiences with this, I have been doing some research into the best protocols. In my last posting I mentioned that I'd found some literature on safe removal. I'm planning to take this information to a local dentist (in Wellington, New Zealand - where options are limited) and have a consultation. In addition to suction, a dental dam with a saliva ejector behind, rinsing for 60 seconds before restoration replacement, Russell has also suggested activated charcoal under my tongue during the procedure. Beforehand, I'll have popped half a dozen algin as well. At the consultation, I'll ask the denstist whether he can cope with this. If the answer's no, I'll keep looking.

I expect these precautions to limit the amount of peripheral mercury entering my system during removal, reducing the time it will take before I can begin chelation (I'll still wait two to three months, based on I've read of Bill's experiences!). The next question is what composites to replace the amalgams with. According to Huggins, some of the materials in composities have their own problems. Of course, biocompatability testing is not available in New Zealand. In the end, I might just have to hope for the best, but if anybody has any ideas, please let me know.

Thanks,

Eric