Mercury amalgam removal
Here is a list of questions you should ask your dentists before accepting treatment.
All suggestions are from Dr. Huggins book.
- How do you prevent mercury residue from entering the mouth?
- Do you use a rubber dam?
- Do you use an ionizing system or high volume vacuum system?
- Do you provide the patient with an oxygen air supply delivered nasally ?
- Do you provide or recommend the patient take anything before, during & after the procedure? IV Vitamin C, etc…?
- Do you cross the mid-line during a single treatment if you are not using IV conscious sedation?
- Do you do electrical testing? If so, do you remove the amalgams in electrical order? By quadrant?
- How do you drill out the amalgam? Do you use low speed drilling?
- Do you irrigate the filling with water to keep it cool during drilling?
- Do you use a high volume evacuator to remove air from the mouth such as a “Clean Up” tip from Bio Probe?
- Do you check under old crowns to see if any mercury is present? Do you replace old crowns with biocompatible ones?
- Do you do Biocompatibility testing to select the replacement material?
- Do you recommend follow-up chelation and detoxification protocol, recommend an MD?
- Do you follow the 7-14-21 day rule if not removing all the mercury on the same day?
AMALGAM removal in a nut shell (see more detailed instructions below):
- High-powered vacuum
- continuous cold water and suction
- medical grade air, provided through nose tubes (oxygen not necessary)
- face cloth over eyes
- air filters to remove mercury vapour & ionizers to remove mercury in surrounding office air
- amalgam cut into 4 pieces (not drilled out),
- IV Conscious sedation (for those who want it), Vitamin C IV drip. Intravenous conscious sedation along with IV vitamin C (nothing else added), is the best practice and the least traumatic way of having dentistry. IV-C is started just prior to dentistry and maintained during dentistry for the best effect on healing.
- follow biocompatibility charts, measure amperage and polarity of amalgams and remove in order of the least path of resistance per quadrant (highest negative, lowest negative, highest positive, lowest positive), acupressure to rebalance energetics and lymphatic massage after treatment.
Things to remember during the dental revision and for chelating afterwards
The mercury amalgam removal protocols must be strictly adhered to. If your dentist is not willing to do so, or tries to cut corners find another that will support you properly in this process. The Huggins protocol suggests you remove all your mercury fillings at once, under “conscious sedation” (intravenous drug like Valium for sedation) and using intravenous Vitamin C during the process, or at least within 30 days of each other.
The removal should be in a specific order, using electrical measurements as a guide. These measurements are taken by a device called a RITA meter, and it measures the amperage and polarity of amalgams which are then removed in order of least path of resistance per quadrant “Sequential removal of the fillings requires that the quadrant containing the highest negative current filling be removed first. Then the quadrant with the next highest electrical charge is next. For more information on how to acquire and use a RITA meter contactStefan at Huggins Applied Healing.)
Many dentists fail to protect themselves from the repeated exposure to mercury (with an alternate air source, filtering and ionizers etc.) which often implies that they don’t take the risks and recommendations seriously. Considering dentists and their staff are exposed to mercury and its vapour on a daily level, if they don’t protect themselves adequately are they likely to protect you?
Make sure ALL of your amalgams are removed. A lot of people including your dentist may ASSUME that all the mercury is out only to find some hidden under a metal crown, or in a appecectomy root canal, or amalgam ‘tattoo’ lodged somewhere in the mouth at a later stage. X-rays can’t see through metal crowns – that is one of the reasons why you are advised to have ALL the dental metal out, including metal crowns. You can’t chelate with ANY amalgam left at all, and will make your condition much worse if you try.
Replace amalgams with metal-free and bio-compatible compounds, like the “Diamond” range – ‘Diamond Crown’ for crowns and ‘Diamond Lite’ for fillings. Your dentist may have to order the ‘starter pack’ for Diamond Lite from overseas. Encourage this and assist with the costs if need be, it is a good investment and may stimulate him/her to use it permanently.
Following amalgam removal oral chelation should be followed to chelate remaining mercury out your body. Mercury will stay in the blood about 6 weeks ‘looking for trouble’. Some of it is excreted, but the more of it you capture in the first 6 weeks and expel, the better. After 6 weeks, mercury settles in your organs such as the brain, intestines, kidneys, liver, eyes, etc.
DURING REMOVAL:
- ACTIVATED CHARCOAL is used as a once-off at the time of removal. It only helps with current ingestion of toxins and is not to be taken regularly. Charcoal works for ingested toxins and not inhaled vapours. Inhaled mercury vapour is still present in a dentist offices that use mercury/or removes mercury. Activated charcoal literally soaks up poison in the gut in case of accidental swallowing. It is not to be taken regularly. Take 500mg fifteen minutes before the dental appointment starts and another 500mg after. Expect black coloured stools. Activated charcoal is not absorbed nor digested.
- Vitamin C is NOT a mercury-chelating agent, but can help with the after-effects of removal. IV Vitamin C is recommended by some following removal. However, doses of ORAL Vitamin C on the day of dental work (or day before) will prevent the pain killer from taking full effect!
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HUGGINS’ PROTOCOL
visit www.hugnet.com
- Become educated on the topic of dental toxicity. Read Dr. Huggins’ books, It’s All in Your Head, or Uninformed Consent (available for order in the Resources section of hugnet.com), or one of the many other books on the subject now appearing in the bookstores.
- After you are familiar with the protocol, interview a dentist and other therapists to see if you can assemble an adequate team to do the treatment that you have selected.
- In the dental office, expect a dental examination that includes hard (teeth) and soft (gums and neck areas) tissue evaluations. X-rays will be taken to locate decayed teeth, defective fillings, missing teeth, cavitations, root canal or dead teeth. Models of your teeth may be taken at this time for an evaluation of your bite, and to be used by the laboratory to fabricate replacements for any missing teeth that might be removed during these procedures.
- He/she will also take electrical readings on your fillings and crowns in order to determine the sequential order in which the restorations should be replaced. (Livingnetwork note: This is one of the most important parts of the process, especially for sick people. It is accomplished with the use of a RITA meter. The electrical readings must not be taken longer than 48 hours before removal. This is because the electrical readings change as the pH varies. Vinegar and oil dressing, for example the night before a test will give different results than if no dressing, or a different type, was eaten. The sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system are affected by the immediate discharges at the time of removal so it is not advisable to chart readings for future reference. The RITA Meter is easy to use, and it comes with an instructional video (DVD). Cost is $735 plus shipping. For more info contact Kyle at Huggins Applied Healing.)
- Your case physician can write prescriptions for blood drawing for the following items: * blood serum for the chemistry analysis from which your intake of carbohydrate, fat and protein can be determined. In other words, a scientific basis for your individual diet.* the CBC, or complete blood count. This shows the red and white blood cells that are generally altered by the presence of mercury and root canals. From these tests information on how your immune system is functioning can be gleaned, and how removal of dental interference can re-ignite proper immune function. [ If you would like blood drawn for testing, please have your own physician do it, as we have no case physician at our clinic]. * serum is also drawn to be sent to a special laboratory for what is called the compatibility test. This shows which dental materials interfere with your specific immune function, and which ones can more safely be used in your mouth (more immune compatible with your immune system). [please see above for biocompatibility testing and follow the instructions if you wish to get this test. We like to have results 2 weeks prior to your appointment. This test is a personal choice not mandatory for us to do your dental work].
- A sample of your hair from the nape of the neck will be taken (probably best by your barber or beautician) to be sent to another special laboratory for analysis of minerals. Some minerals, like lead, mercury and cadmium, are toxic. Others, like sodium, potassium and calcium are compared to blood tests for the same mineral in order to be able to interpret the real condition of your body in this area. There is a direct relationship between blood and hair analysis- which shows us that high levels are not necessarily indicative of high tissue levels, and the same for low levels. These results may be totally the opposite from conventional wisdom in people with cellular transport problems caused by dental toxins. [We do not take lab samples here. If you wish to have these tests, please consult your own physician].
- Plan your treatment jointly with the dentist, physician, IV personnel, acupressurist, nutritionist, detoxification doctor and other health professionals so that the timing of events complement each other, and do not interfere with final results.
- Be sure to get all of the “removal” appointments (amalgam, nickel crowns and root canals) accomplished within a 30-day period or less if at all possible.
- If you are using Intravenous Conscious Sedation, then there is generally only one removal appointment, and it can be 6 or 8 hours long without a problem. Since IV sedation gives a time compression and amnesia, you won’t really care how long you have been there. ….
- Sequential removal of the fillings requires that the quadrant containing the highest negative current filling be removed first. Then the quadrant with the next highest electrical charge is next. …. (see RITA meter)
- Start your nutritional program based on your blood chemistry interpretations as soon as is feasible in the program. The amounts of carbohydrate, protein and fat intake are suggested with the first blood test, and a more refined diet can be determined with follow-up blood tests to check for individual overdoses, under doses or being right on target. [This is the Huggins nutrition plan. Please do whatever you are comfortable with].
- Needs for calcium are specific, and most patients suffer from an overdose of the improper form of calcium. Care must be exercised when prescribing calcium. Most of the rest of the necessary supplementation is based on your chemistries (not blood type) and is individual. Modifications in dose are based on follow-up chemistries.
- Do not take Vitamin C the day of dental procedures. Vitamin C by mouth will shorten the effect of the dental anesthetic to literally around 10 minutes- after that, it is painsville. The IV form of Vitamin C does not do this for reasons unknown, but even 500 milligrams in the tablet form will detoxify the anesthetic adequately to let you feel the pain of drilling or surgery.
- Observe the Patient Protection Protocol as closely as is possible during removal procedures. Please realize that many dentists do not have all the safety equipment described, so see how much you can live with, and without. Complete protection includes the use of the rubber dam during amalgam removal; the use of copious amounts of water with high suction while amalgams and nickel crowns are being cut with the high speed drill; placement of dental materials that have been proved to be biocompatible with you; presence of negative ion generators to remove the massive amount of mercury vapor within the dental office; IV Vitamin C during the removal procedures….
- Please avoid codeine when possible, for it makes many people nauseated, and is constipating for the majority of people. Minimal travel after surgery is advisable (like one or 2 miles) for the vibration in a car can release the blood clot resulting in the famous painful “dry socket”. Smoking after surgery will almost guarantee the formation of a painful dry socket. Be forewarned.
- Be absolutely certain that your IV during the dental procedures contains NO Vitamin B-12. B-12 in any form is a methylator, and methyl mercury is extremely damaging to your nervous system.
- Acupressure immediately after dental appointments is helpful to all patients, and especially those with neurological problems. With all the electrical currents beaming into the brain for many years (at a current 1000 times greater than the brain operates on) the brain tries to accommodate, then upon removal of this current, the brain tries to uncompensate and recoup. The result can be a pretty uncomfortable feeling for about a week. It can be accomplished while the IV is still running. This is not a problem.
- Massage is a good way to stimulate lymphatic drainage, and is in particular helpful in patients with white blood cell or serum calcium problems. It can be applied a few days before the dental removal sessions, and a few days afterwards.
- After dental removal procedures are completed, be sure that the patient maintains a high protein diet. If surgery was done, best use a blender for a few days to avoid damage to fresh surgical sites.
- Be sure that the C-flush procedures are followed. Many people achieve a new level of health after basic dental revision procedures, but do not feel that they have all the health and energy they would like. When they remember the C-flush and actually do it, they immediately feel much better. Remember, eating the right foods is only part of the treatment. You have to digest, absorb and assimilate the breakdown products of foods before your body can really build a new you. It takes a renewed gut to do that. [This is something you can do on your own if you wish, as we do not do it, but please taper off vitamin c gradually. Taking high doses of c and stopping suddenly can cause Scoliosis (curvature of the spine).]
- Select the detoxification procedures that are available and acceptable to you. Be careful to find the balance between adequate and overdoing. Two to three procedures per week is adequate for most people, and six to seven per week is overdoing it for almost anyone. Be kind to you. The biggest single problem post dental revision is too much detoxification too fast. Be real careful here. This goes for detoxification medications as well as saunas, etc. Get educated. Read the book on detoxification and take heed.
- See to it that your follow-up blood tests and interpretations are scheduled. It is easy to slip back into the habits that created your original problem, so all of us need the handholding to maintain improved health.
- A really important part of going through this program is that you have a competent caregiver. Especially during dental procedures, the brain is undergoing a new form of electrical and chemical stimulation, and it can easily become confused. Even menial tasks like selecting which clothes to wear, which foods to eat, preparing the foods, cleaning up the kitchen afterward, what time are the appointments, are stresses to a patient undergoing dental revision that are not ordinarily considered stressors. Having someone appointed as designated decision maker will enhance healing and reduce stress on your immune system. Pull off your ego hat, and let someone else help you at this time.[source]
Dr Huggins also says:
Even if the procedures are quite short – like 15 minutes – never, never cross the midline during the same appointment. The midline is an imaginary line dividing the head into two halves at a point between the front teeth and between the eyes. Unless, of course, you are utilizing IV conscious sedation. Then you can do things upside down and backwards with no effect on the immune system.
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IAOMT protocol:
Safe Amalgam Filling Removal: Guidelines for Dentist and Staff
- Keep the fillings cool during removal. Drilling out an amalgam filling generates a tremendous amount of heat, which causes a dramatic increase in the release of mercury, both as a vapour and in amalgam particles, during the entire removal process. Cooling the filling with water and air while drilling dramatically reduces the amount of mercury vapor the filling releases. Most mercury free dentists use a removal process that’s commonly referred to as chunking. This involves less drilling, because the dentist only drills enough to cut the filling into chunks, which can then be easily removed by a hand instrument or suction.
- 2. Use a high-volume evacuator. Most mercury free dentists use a more powerful suction system than those used by most pro-amalgam dentists. We feel this is one of the most important tools in minimizing the patient’s exposure to mercury vapor and amalgam particles. The evacuator tip should always be kept to within 1/2 inch of the filling during the entire time the filling is being removed. This helps capture more of the mercury vapour and particles.
- Use additional air purification. Some mercury free dentists use an additional air filtering system that’s placed as close to the patient’s mouth as is practical. The more popular ones resemble an elephant’s trunk and have openings about 4 inches in diameter. This can be helpful, but we agree with those mercury free dentists who believe that the patient can be adequately protected without such a system. It’s a nice addition to the removal protocol, but more important for the dentist and assistant than the average patient.
- Provide the patient with an alternative source of air. Not every mercury-free dentist agrees with us, but we believe it’s essential to provide dental patients with an alternative air source while their amalgam fillings are being removed. This isn’t necessary after the removal process is completed, when the tooth is being prepared for the new filling, and while the new filling is being placed. But during the actual amalgam filling removal, the patient should be provided with a protective mask through which to breathe either compressed air from a tank, air from a source outside the office, or oxygen from a tank. Always instruct the patient to breathe through the nose and avoid breathing through the mouth while the fillings are being removed. We think this is especially important for pregnant and nursing mothers, patients who have existing health issues related to mercury, allergies, or immune system problems.
- Use a rubber dam. A rubber dam isolates the tooth or teeth being worked on. Some mercury free dentists don’t believe this is absolutely necessary, but it’s our opinion that it can reduce the amount of mercury vapour inhaled through the mouth. Even though mercury vapour can pass through the rubber dam, we believe that a rubber dam makes it easier to evacuate the filling material and prevent amalgam particles from being swallowed. As long as the patient breathes through the nose, little if any mercury vapor will pass through the rubber dam. Finally, it offers an isolated and dry field for placing the composite filling. It does take a little extra time to place and remove the rubber dam, and some patients don’t welcome this. But anyone who is concerned about minimizing mercury exposure should insist on its use. In any case, the patient should be instructed not to swallow while the fillings are being drilled. As in everything, there are exceptions. With some teeth, particularly 3rd molars, or so-called wisdom teeth, it may not be possible to place a rubber dam. As long as the dental team uses all the other protocols, this is acceptable.
- Immediately dispose of filling particles. While a dentist working alone can safely remove mercury amalgam fillings, it is easier for everyone to have an assistant working with him throughout the removal procedure. This will ensure constant suction and a continuous flow of air and water.
- Remove gloves and clean the patient’s mouth. Once the amalgam filling(s) have been safely removed and replaced, the dentist and the assistant should remove and dispose of their gloves and the rubber dam, and thoroughly rinse and vacuum the patient’s entire mouth for at least 15 seconds. The patient should make every effort not to swallow during this procedure. We also suggest that after the rinsing procedure, the patient use a small amount of water and gargle as far back into her throat as possible. The patient should not swallow this watery residue! Instead, he should spit it into a sink or cup.
- Immediately clean up. After the fillings have been removed and replaced, the dentist or dental assistant should immediately remove and dispose of the patient’s protective covering and thoroughly clean her face and neck.
- Keep room air as pure as possible. There are a number of effective ways to purify the air in the office. We’re not making specific recommendations. But most mercury free dental offices filter the office air, as they work in it all day and it’s to their benefit to do so. This is more important for the dentist and staff than for the patient. Although mercury free offices don’t place amalgam fillings, they certainly are required to remove them. Removing the fillings releases significant amounts of mercury vapor, and any mercury free dentist would want to take the necessary precautions to protect the entire staff from excessive exposure to mercury.
- Use activated charcoal. There’s some evidence that activated charcoal taken 10-15 minutes before amalgam removal can bind smaller particles of swallowed mercury, allowing them to be harmlessly passed out of the intestine via the feces. We consider this to be optional, as very little elemental or inorganic mercury is absorbed through the intestine, but it can’t hurt.
Note: We recommend that anyone who has mercury related symptoms or diseases related to chronic mercury poisoning, allergies, or immune system dysfunction, have their amalgam fillings removed in a safe way.