It has been over 150 years that the American Dental Association (ADA) has assured us that mercury was not released from an amalgam filling. The long-standing controversy about whether mercury is released is over and the ADA now admits that it can no longer defend its position that mercury is locked into the filling. In its place they now claim that even though they admit that mercury is released from amalgam fillings, it is not enough to create a health hazard (except for those sensitive to it).

Biological dentists, a specialized type of dentistry, recognize the impact of toxic materials and relate it to dental and physiological health. These dentists are concerned with the integrity of the oral cavity and use materials and procedures in their practices that are systemically compatible.

Dental /oral disease, mercury amalgam fillings, and non-compatible dental materials can affect one's overall health greatly, warns biological dentist, Dr. Kourosh Maddahi, ?A wide range of problems have been associated with mercury poisoning such as chronic tiredness, digestive troubles, muscle and joint aches and stiffness and sinus troubles. Some of my patients feel that the removal of such toxic material is the cause for their improvement in serious health concerns such as neurological disorders, heart troubles, breathing difficulties and more.? Due to its poisonous nature, mercury can adversely affect the immune, urinary, cardiac, respiratory and digestive systems. Under laboratory conditions, mercury had produced brain cell deterioration identical to that seen in victims of Alzheimer's disease. Any and all symptoms or physical conditions have to be confirmed by certified helath care professionals before the removal of mercury fillings.

One average sized amalgam filling contains enough mercury to exceed the United States Environmental Protection Agency old human intake standard for over 100 years, given exposure to all of the mercury in the one amalgam filling. Obviously, this does not happen as the amalgam breaks down when enough mercury exits the filling. The point is, there is more than enough mercury in even one amalgam to present a cause for concern.

The World Health Organization has concluded that dental fillings contribute more mercury to a person's body than all other sources of mercury combined. "Silver" amalgam fillings are 50% mercury and mercury vaporizes easily at room temperature, and in this state is odorless, colorless and tasteless. Also, inhaled mercury vapor is readily absorbed into the bloodstream.

?Mercury is a potent poison.?, explains Dr. Maddahi. ?It is impossible to say who or who will not manifest overt symptoms of chronic mercury poisoning. Biological dentistry studies very thoroughly the potential affects of this poison. Available research demonstrates that mercury is more toxic than lead, cadmium or arsenic. No amount of exposure to mercury vapor can be considered harmless, especially considering its cumulative effect. Using the newest technology I can remove these old fillings and by merging biocompatible material with the art of cosmetic dentistry, create a healthy and aesthetic mouth for all. Biological dentistry is the pursuit of optimal health for all patients using the most compatible, durable and bio-neutral material for the human body.?

Dr. Kourosh Maddahi, has been specializing in creating beautiful, natural smiles for 20 years and is located in Beverly Hills at 436 N. Roxbury Drive, Suite 202 and can be reached at 310-888-7797.