Biological dental office in Burr Ridge IL offers mercury safe treatment to remove silver fillings

As a biological dentist, Janet Stopka, DDS ensures all dental techniques, treatments, and materials promote whole-body health. With this principle at the heart of the practice, Dr. Stopka and her team do not fill cavities with amalgam. This mix of metals may look silver in color, but each filling is actually 50 percent mercury! Some dentists stop short of practicing truly biological dentistry; the way they address mercury in so-called silver fillings is to be “mercury-free” and not place metals that contain it. We offer mercury safe dental treatment in Burr Ridge IL. As a mercury-safe practice, Janet Stopka, DDS abides by the guidelines set forth by the International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology. The Safe Mercury Amalgam Removal Technique (SMART) requires a combination of specialized equipment, training, and precautions to minimize the effects of mercury from dental fillings on our patients, our staff, and the planet. Just because a dental office markets itself as “biological” or as “mercury-free” does not mean that they are properly equipped to safely remove the old filling and replace it with a biocompatible or non-toxic filling material. An investment in SMART is an investment in your health.

When mercury meets your mouth

Millions of dental patients through the years have had amalgam fillings. For more than a century, they were considered to be an economical, easy alternative to tooth-colored fillings. Yet, the IAOMT (of which Dr. Stopka is an active member) reports some amalgam fillings contain as much mercury as a thermometer! Exposure to this element has been linked to upwards of 250 medical symptoms and conditions, ranging from the annoying (upset stomach, irritability) to the downright scary (respiratory failure, rapid heartbeat). You can be exposed to mercury through silver-colored fillings. The toxin is constantly emitted from amalgam each time you chew your food or otherwise use your teeth. Amalgam-derived mercury can even pose a threat to unborn children by crossing the blood-brain barrier, passing through the placenta and into breast milk.

Removing fillings that contain mercury is certainly not as straightforward as removing tooth-colored, biocompatible fillings. In fact, mercury is released at even higher levels when the amalgam is removed from your mouth. The way mercury enters the environment packs a punch, because the element is released as both a vapor and as thousands of minuscule particles. The IAOMT notes that the mercury vapors are easily 200 times greater than the maximum levels of vapor allowed by governmental agencies. We have taken the steps necessary to limit these threats to your health. Many of Dr. Stopka’s patients appreciate the peace of mind they get, knowing that their health and safety is in good hands. And, as we view oral health through the lens of overall wellness, Janet S. Stopka, DDS enjoys hearing from patients who not only love the new, natural look of their fillings but who may experience long-term relief from nagging symptoms or chronic conditions.

When SMART meets amalgam fillings  

Safely removing mercury-containing dental materials is not limited to a step or tool. It requires coordination and training on the part of our team. We have to minimize the risks before you can enjoy the many benefits that come with getting rid of your old or worn silver fillings. We do this, in part, by providing:

• Sources of outside air to help keep mercury vapor from being inhaled
• An amalgam separator to collect mercury waste, which must be properly installed, operated, and maintained on an ongoing basis
• Protective clothing (gloves, coverings) and eye protection
• A comfortable nasal mask for an alternate air source
• A rubber dam, which keeps particulate matter from being spread around the mouth
• High-speed suction to remove particles
• Removal of the filling in large chunks (rather than drilling away at it)
• A high-powered air filtration system to remove the particulates and vapor generated during the process
• Specialty products that cleanse and rinse the mouth in a safe manner post-treatment

The above is only a partial listing of the ways we keep you, our team, and the environment safe. We offer a healthier approach to not only fillings and filling removal, but to preventive, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry. Experience truly biological dentistry for yourself by scheduling an appointment at our Burr Ridge office.

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