This article was written by Dr. Noumbissi and published in the January 2013 edition (International Section) for the Orofacial Chronicle Journal from Bhopal, India.

Background

Since Dr. Brånemark first introduced titanium dental implants, a variety of materials have been used successfully for about 40 years. Today implants are made either of commercially pure titanium (cpTi) or titanium alloys.  In addition to its biocompatibility, titanium was also initially believed to be inert, nontoxic and nonallergenic1,2. However, several drawbacks have been documented in the literature with the use of titanium and titanium alloys as implant materials in medicine and dentistry. High concentrations of titanium have been detected in tissue surrounding dental implants mostly as a result of wear or corrosion of the titanium implant surface.  In an animal study Weingart et al.3   showed that nine months after titanium implantation, titanium particles had spread and were found in adjacent lymph nodes. This indicates the possibility that phagocytes could transport titanium particles to the lymph nodes without any initial or immediate inflammatory response and potentially cause later immunologic reactions.

The Facts

An increasing number of people who suffer some form tooth loss are choosing to replace their teeth with dental implants. For the last thirty plus years the only and highly successful option for freestanding tooth replacement available in the United States and other countries has been titanium and titanium alloy dental implants. There are increasing reports both in dentistry and medicine of individuals developing sensitivity and allergies to titanium and/or titanium alloys. Even of more concern some of these implants are corroding once exposed to body fluids such as saliva and developing electrical activity when they are coupled with prosthetic components made of other metal alloys. Titanium implants as they corrode are known to release metal ions which create low level electrical currents through the body but also weakens the structural integrity of the implants. With recent advances in implantable biomaterials research and technology, bioceramics such as zirconia (zirconium dioxide) are now available and a new generation of modern implants is made of zirconia. Zirconium Silicate (ZrSO4) is mined and is treated and transformed into zirconium dioxide which is also called zirconia. Zirconia is the crystal form of the material zirconium which is a transitional metal. After mining and processing of zirconium silicate, zirconium is isolated and further processed under high temperature and pressure. Zirconium then undergoes an oxidation and crystallization process which allows it to transition into a structurally stable and inert crystal. This bioceramic crystal is called Yttrium Stabilized Tetragonal Zirconium Polycrystal (Y-TZP) also called zirconium dioxide. Therefore zirconium dioxide is not a metal and presents exceptional physical and biological properties. Zirconia can sustain an extreme load capacity, features a very long service life, and presents no conductivity or interference in the body’s meridian systems; it is the most hygienic, non-electricity conducting and stable material for dental implantology and orthopedics. Zirconia implants also present no danger of corrosion, something that is often a serious problem with metal based dental implants. Corrosion of a titanium dental implant occurs when it is coupled with the metal framework or abutment of the crown which more often than not is a less noble metal or alloy than that of the titanium implant. The implant and crown assembly bathes in saliva which is an electrolyte and a good conductor of electricity; this leads to all sorts of chemical and electrical imbalances in the body and to a phenomenon called “battery mouth”. Another advantage of zirconia is its low affinity for plaque (picture#1). Clinical observations and studies show that zirconia implants compared to or next to titanium implants accumulate much less plaque and allow for superior gingival health (picture #2).

Radioactivity and Zirconia Implants

There is a controversial and highly misunderstood aspect of zirconium dioxide in terms of its radiological output. Zirconium Silicate (ZrSO4) depending where it is mined can be contaminated with natural radioactive isotopes including radium (226Ra) and thorium (228Th). This was a major concern in the early 1990’s because the ores selected were contaminated. Today zirconium dioxide processing plants have the technology to remove these contaminants and are able to yield and use very pure powders. For example, the radiation emitted by a 3 mol% Y2O3-ZrO2powder was the same order of magnitude as alumina powder, both of which were several orders of magnitude less than that typically measured for water, vegetables and livestock. Zirconia hip ball replacements weigh approximately 100mg and have a natural radiological output of 1mSv per year. The average weight of a zirconia dental implant is 1g, translating into a natural radiological output of roughly 0.01mSv/year. Therefore the radiation risk of zirconia bioceramics is negligible and given that the World Nuclear Association states that the typical background radiation experienced by most people in North America is 3.4mSv, there is little concern for adverse biological effects on the implant recipient.

Conclusion

Zirconia dental implants are a sensible and clearly a healthier alternative to conventional and titanium implant bridges, partials or Overdentures. Furthermore zirconia by virtue of its translucency and all-white color makes it the most aesthetically pleasing option available today for tooth replacement (picture #3 & picture #4). This is a new era in implant dentistry and the science of oral implantology.

Referrences:

1-  Rabin, Steven I., MD; Calhoun, Jason H., MD, FACS, editor: Immune Response to Implants  

2- Allauddin A Siddiqi, Alan G T AG Payne,Warwick J WJ Duncan. Titanium allergy: could it affect dental implant integration? Clin Oral Implants Res 22(7):673-80 (2011)  

3- Weingart D, Steinmann S, Schili W, Strub JR, Hellerich U, Assenmacher J, Simpson J. Titanium deposition in regional lymph nodes after insertion of titanium screw implants in the maxillofacial region. Int J Oral Maxillofac Surg.1994 Dec:23 (6Pt2): 450-2  

4- Scarano A, Piattelli M, Caputi S, Favero GA, Piattelli A. Bacterial adhesion on commercially pure titanium and   zirconium oxide disks: an in vivo human study. J Periodontol. 2004 Feb;75(2):292-6

Why ceramic dental implants are better than conventional bridges?

When it comes to options for tooth replacement patients are increasingly opting for dental implants over the usual dental prostheses such as dentures or conventionally placed bridges. Since implants sit securely in the jaw and look like natural teeth, they offer superior durability and outstanding aesthetics when compared to conventional bridges. However there is an increasing resistance to metals among people and in implant dentistry there is a shift away from metal or metallic based crowns, partials and implants.

There are four major categories of restorations available for tooth replacement:

Bonded dental bridge

Bonded dental bridges use the teeth adjacent to the empty space to help support the missing tooth by using a very thin piece of metal or tooth-colored material to overlay and bond to the back of the adjacent teeth. A tooth replacement or “dummy tooth” is set between these two bonded pieces in order to fill in the empty space. Failure rate is about 25 percent after just five years of use. Furthermore the gap widens because the bone recedes as a result of no longer having a tooth in place. This ultimately results in the weakening of the adjacent teeth which can become loose and eventually fall out.

Cantilevered dental bridge

A cantilevered restoration uses the closest tooth next to the empty space to support the missing tooth using the either the back of the neighboring tooth or a full crown to help support the missing tooth. Success rate is higher than with a bonded bridge depending on how much pressure the actual replacement endures due to grinding and normal wear. This method of tooth replacement has fallen out of favor because the supporting tooth gets torqued and fatigued and more often than not eventualy fractures.

Conventional dental bridge

Getting fitted for a dental bridge requires shaving down and modifying of the teeth on either side the space where the tooth or teeth are missing. This is done in order to fit a conventional bridge. This is a process that significantly weakens the ground teeth and sets them up for fracture and root canals in the future. Unfortunately conventional dental bridges predictably fail at a range from 20 percent over 3 years to 3 percent over 23 years.                                                                                                      With dental implants the dentist does not need to affect the health or longevity of neighboring teeth at all. Once placed, implants are firmly set into the bone making them more natural than dentures or conventional bridges, with none of the shifting that dentures normally display.

Some problems with conventional bridges

• They are bonded to the adjacent tooth with a glue-like substance, bridges more often become loose and fall out
• They cracks and fissure form over time, due to normal wear and tear and become fragile and prone to breakage
• Improper fit can lead to either tooth decay or irritation to the surrounding soft tissue around them.

Dental implant

A ceramic dental implant is created from a high performance material (zirconium oxide) that is inserted into the bone to act like a natural tooth root. Zirconium oxide also called zirconia is a crystal phase of zirconium and due to its nonmetallic construction the ceramic dental implant does not interfere with the body’s immune or meridian systems and therefore significantly reduces the potential for rejection. Furthermore ceramic implants do not interact with electromagnetic fields such as those emanating  from cell phones, cell phone towers and microwaves. Once inserted into the jaw, the implant integrates directly into the bone to give firm support to the artificial replacement that it is built to hold and should last the lifetime of a patient. Routine maintenance of a dental implant is exactly the same as a person would follow for normal teeth.

Healthy Patients Prefer Ceramic Implants

Patients who prefer dental implants say that they are more comfortable and provide a more secure fit than fixed bridges or removable dentures. However all implants are not equal and ceramic implants unlike metal implants are made in one piece from the root to the top just like a natural tooth. Therefore ceramic implants do not have joints and do not retain plaque and harbor billions of bacteria like two-piece metal implants. For those who no longer have any natural teeth, ceramic implants can be placed to support and retain dentures and eliminate the embarrassment and discomfort they can cause in social situations when they slip and click. Loose and ill-fitting dentures hamper the everyday pleasure of eating comfortably.

Reasons to consider a ceramic dental implant:

• preserves healthy natural tooth and bone structure
• looks and feel like natural teeth
• enhances a sense of self-confidence when eating, talking and smiling
• no gooey denture adhesives to deal with
• no embarrassingly loose dentures
• improves quality of speech
• no electrical or electromagnetic activity in your mouth

Anyone who is missing one or more of their teeth may be a candidate for implants. If more than a few of the teeth are missing, implants in supporting a crown or bridge can replace those teeth and function as normal teeth without concern for loss of bone and decay. If all or most of the teeth are missing, then implants may be placed to fix in place a full-mouth non-removable set of teeth.

No such problems with ceramic implants

Ceramic dental implants are recommended to patients because:

• Chewing is easy with excellent biting pressure provided by implant
• When done properly and dilligently cared for, dental Implants are reliable and provide long-standing service, for decades with few, if any complications
• Comfortable fit and lifetime durability because they are well secured and integrated with the bone and gums
• They remain clean because they do not accumulate plaque and bacteria
• Metal-free bioceramic
• They do not generate nor conduct electricity

Considering the overall advantages patients can expect to benefit from as a result of choosing a dental implant, they are better able to enjoy a healthier and greener lifestyle without the restrictions many denture and bridge wearers face. The more secure foundation offered by a dental implant, the better biting pressure becomes, making it possible to enjoy the foods that a patient probably would not be able to eat using a dental prosthetic. As a result improved chewing ability leads to better nutrition and improved overall health.

Over the past century, the levels of fluoride in foods purchased at the grocery store have steadily increased due to several factors including; the mass fluoridation of water supplies, the introduction of fluoride-based pesticides and the use of mechanical deboning processes in the meat industry.

One of the biggest problems is produce – both organic and non-organically grown — which is sprayed with pesticides. The newer pesticides contain alarmingly high levels fluoride making the typical North American’s daily consumption about 1.8 milligrams of fluoride — almost twice the amount of fluoride delivered from drinking one liter of fluoridated water. The consumption of non-organic foods is now thought to account for as much as one-third of the average person’s fluoride exposure.

Where did we go wrong?

Courtesy www.FluorideAlert.org

Early in 2011, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) recommended that water fluoridation programs should lower the levels added to water from 1 ppm fluoride 0.7 ppm. Although helpful, even this measure clearly does not go far enough to solve the problem, as many children continue to ingest levels of fluoride much higher than is recommended, or considered ‘safe’. When you consider all of the sources of fluoride contamination it isn’t surprising that we are seeing a dramatic increase in dental fluorosis (a tooth defect caused by excess fluoride intake) and a marked rise in cases reported over the past 60 years.

Where is all this fluoride coming from?

The fluoride-based pesticide called cryolite (a white or colorless mineral made up of fluoride, sodium and aluminum in crystal form) is essentially sodium aluminum fluoride, which is used for its ability to kill produce-loving insects. Cryolite also adheres to produce in a thick layer that effectively ‘seals’ the produce in pesticide and is extremely difficult to remove before consumption. Fresh produce that is temporarily stored in a warehouse environment is also treated with a gas fumigant, used to kill insects and rodents. This fumigant is recognized to leave extremely high levels of fluoride residue “in or on” stored foods.

The naturally occurring levels of fluoride in fruits, vegetables, meat, grain, eggs, milk and fresh water supplies are generally very low (less than 0.1 ppm) with the exception of seafood, tea and deep-well water which all have elevated fluoride levels without human interference. As a general rule, the fluoride level in food increases as a byproduct of the industrial food-making process. This is particularly true in the U.S. where mass water fluoridation programs are in use, since food processors use the public water supply to make their products. The basic rule is more processing equals the more fluoride. Juice that is not made from concentrate will thus have less fluoride than reconstituted juice.

Organic food is less contaminated than non-organic food and a person’s exposure will thus be reduced if they eat more organic fruits, vegetables, grains, and legumes. Cereals, mechanically deboned meats, and black or green tea are sources to avoid if possible. Mechanically deboned meat is problematic because “most meats that are pulverized into a pulp form (e.g., chicken fingers, chicken nuggets) are made using a mechanical deboning processes. This mechanical deboning process increases the quantity of fluoride-laden bone particles in the meat. As a result, research has found that mechanically deboned meat contains higher levels of fluoride” (The Fluoride Action Network, http://www.fluoridealert.org/content/chicken/), which is then transferred to the consumer’s dinner table. Black and green teas are naturally high in fluoride regardless of whether they are grown organically without pesticides due to how the plant readily absorbs fluoride thorough its root system.

What’s so bad about fluoride?

Recent studies have shown that hydrofluorosilicic acid levels in the body increases lead accumulation in bone, teeth and other calcium dependent tissues. This happens when the free fluoride ion acts as a transport of heavy metals, allowing them to enter into the soft tissues where they normally would not be able to go, including sensitive organs such as the brain.

In terms of acute toxicity (the amount that can cause immediate toxic consequences), fluoride is more toxic than lead but slightly less toxic than arsenic – which explains why fluoride has long been used in rodenticides and pesticides. It is also the reason accidents involving over-ingestion of fluoridated dental products including fluoridated gels, supplements and water can cause serious poisoning even leading up to death. There are reports of people who have in fact developed crippling skeletal fluorosis – a bone disease caused by excessive consumption of fluoride — from drinking high amounts of iced tea alone.

According to the Fluoride Action Network (FAN) excessive fluoride exposure is well known to cause a painful bone disease (skeletal fluorosis), as well as a discoloration of the teeth known as dental fluorosis. It has also been linked to a range of other chronic ailments including;

• arthritis,
• bone fragility,
• glucose intolerance,
• gastrointestinal distress,
• thyroid disease,
• cardiovascular disease
• certain types of cancer

People who are at highest risk to fluoride include infants, individuals with kidney disease, individuals with nutrient deficiencies (particularly calcium and iodine), and individuals with medical conditions that cause excessive thirst.

Fluoride also has the ability to stimulate the harmful effects of other chemicals and heavy metals in the environment, potentially making them even more harmful than they would be otherwise. For example, when you combine chloramines with the hydrofluorosilicic acid, the combination becomes very effective at extracting lead from old plumbing systems, promoting the accumulation of lead in the water supply – water which is then consumed by animals and humans alike.

What’s the Best Way to Replace a Tooth?

While both dentures and implants will fill the gaps left by missing teeth, there are other important considerations to be aware of when making a choice for dental repairs:

• biocompatibility
• durability
• comfort
• cost

The expense associated with implants

The higher cost of dental implants can be the biggest obstacle for many patients to overcome when it comes to replacing one or more missing teeth. Despite their aesthetic and greater functional superiority the initial price of dental implants can cause many people to lean towards more conventional and less expensive options like bridges or dentures.

Success in the short term

Second to cost, another attractive aspect to dental bridges or dentures is the quick turnaround time since they can be ready and fitted at about 2 weeks, while dental implants take longer to become fully integrated into the mouth and jaw before they reach their peak performance level

However, there are a few additional costs associated with dentures and bridges which can include:

• restoring decayed teeth surrounding bridges
• treating gum disease caused by improperly fitted dentures and difficult to reach pockets created by bridges
• maintaining, repairing and replacing partial or fully removable dentures

The real cost of short sightedness

The actual physical structure of a jaw without teeth will initially shrink quite rapidly most particularly during the first six months — and more slowly over time for the remainder of the patient’s life. Consequently, when a denture is made to fit a person’s jaw it will need to be remade and refitted as the jawbone shrinks.

The teeth in a denture appliance eventually wear down and become less effective at chewing food. Worn denture teeth naturally cause a person to bite and chew with more force, pushing the denture into the jawbone, causing the bone to shrink at an even faster rate. Jawbone deterioration and loss is the major problem with removable dentures, a problem that also works to increase the speed of a person’s aging process. Grinding of the teeth will decrease the life of a denture also.

When a dental bridge is used to replace missing teeth, the supporting or adjacent teeth have to be ground down in order to make room for the support post of the bridge. Once the adjacent teeth have been altered in this way they become susceptible to damage and tooth decay. It is quite difficult for patients to properly clean the areas around and under dental bridges, which causes an accumulation of dental plaque and an increased susceptibility of tooth decay and gum disease. As in the case of dentures, the jawbone in the area where teeth are missing will shrink, weaken and deteriorate over time, which can cause the surrounding teeth to become loose, change position and even fracture in some cases. This mobility of the teeth will then create a situation where the structural integrity of the bridge is at risk.

The best long term solution

The average long term success rate of dental implant surgery in a healthy patient with good bone structure is over 95 percent. This figure can change to between 85 and 90 percent in patients who require bone grafting to increase density and to ensure that the implant will anchor well. For smokers, the failure rate of dental implants is about two times higher compared to non-smokers. Experienced implant dentists have success rate records as high as 99 percent for patients with healthy jawbone and gums. One of the most appealing aspects of a dental implant is that it works just like a natural tooth, without requiring any special care and without causing any damage to adjacent teeth. The only requirement to ensure the long life of a dental implant is for the patient to continue to maintain good dental health and proper daily oral hygiene – exactly as they would for natural teeth.

Lasting results

Once a dental implant has been placed and has properly integrated into the bone (a process called osseointegration) that implant can be expected to last for a lifetime, whereas dental bridges require replacement every ten years on average (due to bridge failure or adjacent teeth failure). Dentures also need to be replaced or modified about every five to ten years due to improper fit and bone loss. Therefore, although the initial expense for dentures and bridges may be relatively low, over time that cost will rise as repairs and replacements are needed, and as oral treatments are required due to gum disease and repair or loss of surrounding teeth. General health will also be affected as ill-fitting dentures do not allow for proper and efficient chewing.

Dental implants provide a much better aesthetic and functional results compared to alternative dental restorations. They help to ensure that a patient will be able to maintain their usual eating habits, keep a natural appearance and speak and chew without the embarrassment often caused by removable dentures.

Cell Phones May Pose Increased Health Hazards to Patients with Metallic Dental Implants

All cell phones emit electromagnetic radiation called RF (radio frequency) and EMF (electromagnetic fields). Considering the close proximity of the cell phone to the head during use, there is clear potential for EMF emissions to be harmful to any of the 300 million healthy cell-phone users in the United States today. However, patients who have undergone metal implant surgery as well as those who may still have amalgam fillings and/or dental fixtures are potentially at a much higher risk of harm than someone who has no metallic structures in their mouth whatsoever.

The use of metallic implants and fillings in the mouth is known to have the ability to create a potentially dangerous situation called ‘galvanism’. The body’s normal electrical (bioenergetic) current fluctuates at about 450 millivolts. Galvanism occurs when saliva mixes with amalgam (or metal) fillings and/or implants resulting in a jump of the normal oral electric current up to 1,000 millivolts or higher. This jump in oral electric current is without factoring in the amplified EMF fields associated with cell phone use and other types of exposure to electromagnetic fields. This kind of highly charged electrical current can quite easily overpower the body’s normal electrical flows and potentially interfere with energy flow to the brain. It is also suspected of causing various irritations to the nervous system.

What kind of damage are we talking about?

Studies have shown that the radiation from cell phones to which the user is exposed may in fact be the culprit behind a wide range of health problems including headaches, pressure or tingling in the head, earaches, eye problems including distortion of vision, memory loss, fatigue, brain tumors, DNA alteration or damage and changes in the brains electrical activity. Some studies have shown rats to develop lymphoma from prolonged electromagnetic fields exposure. For patients who have metallic dental repairs, the risk is quantified significantly. Additional symptoms may include:

• Increased arthritis
• Skin problems
• Ear problems
• Risk to leukemia
• Childhood cancer
• Sleep problems
• Depression
• Difficulty in concentrating
• Mental conditions

For more than thirty years, research conducted at the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) has focused on whether EMF associated with electricity can cause biologic changes or negatively affect health. Hundreds of studies have also been reviewed in health risk evaluations by the World Health Organization and other national and international organizations concerned with public health.

While some red flags have been raised over the years, what is being debated now at the national and international level is just how much radiation should be considered ‘unsafe’, and if there are any potential long-term side effects of continued cell-phone radiation exposure. Nobody knows with certainty what long-term health consequences EMF-induced biological effects may lead to – or how co-mingling metal implants and dental repairs with EMF radiation might affect the human body. The issue remains quite controversial. However, due to the growing depth of evidence pointing to various problematic interactions, concern is justified. Regardless, research has clearly shown that electromagnetic emissions from cell phones can cause significant biological effects and we know for a fact that metallic dental implants and fillings can create an electrical resonance of their own. When you combine these two disparate elements together, you have a potential recipe for disaster – one that can pose serious challenges to the long term health and wellness of anyone who has been fitted with metallic dental materials.

How metal implants may exaggerate harmful effects posed by cell phone use

Having dissimilar metals in the teeth (e.g.-amalgam; or gold and mercury, or stainless steel and mercury and/or titanium) causes a measurable galvanic action, or electrical currents, this is what is called “battery mouth”. These types of currents cause the amalgam levels (more often than not containing mercury vapor) to rise in surrounding tissues. The average mercury levels in gum tissue near amalgam fillings is about 200 ppm, and are the result of mercury flowing directly into the mucous membrane by way of galvanic currents. Dental amalgams also release significant amounts of silver, tin and copper which have well known toxic effects of their own. Even more alarming is the fact that amalgam containing zinc produces even higher galvanic currents.

Electrical currents can harm the immune system

Among other things, the electric currents and ionic flow between various dental alloys has been shown to cause irritation in the trigeminal nerve which is the main cranial nerve system; blocking the flow of major acupuncture meridians. This blockage can lead to greater overall dysfunction throughout the body and it can significantly challenge the immune system, which in turn can lead to chronic and debilitating health issues. It doesn’t take a much of an increase in the flow of energy to create harmful effects in the human body. Scientific studies associated with oral galvanism have determined that currents of just over 5 microamps is usually enough to cause significant health problems such as headaches, migraines, dizziness, nausea, etc. Removing the amalgam filling, metal fixture or dental repair essentially eliminated the problem in patients participating in this study.

Some studies have also found persons with chronic environmental exposure to electromagnetic fields including microwaves or MRIs to have higher levels of mercury exposure and excretion. And, interestingly enough, post MRI saliva mercury levels for a sample of patients reported on average 31 percent higher after MRI than before.

What the research reveals about metallic implants and cell phone use

Researchers in one study involved two basic types of implants: metallic pins and rings in the surface layers of the human body – positioned near the mobile phone. The goal in this case was to discover ‘the worst case scenario’ with respect to energy absorption. Researchers noted that “Based on the simulations of this study, the local absorption of EM field in a limited volume may be significantly (even by a factor of 700) enhanced by a conductive implant in the surface layer of a human body. The mobile phone and the metallic implant are strongly coupled, especially when the implant is close to a mobile phone, its length is in resonance with the field, and it is aligned with the antenna. This coupling can be either conductive, magnetic or both (Troulis et al 2003).”

Immediate symptoms of heightened danger

A few recommendations for reducing exposure to harmful EMF radiation when using a cell phone might include making only short and essential calls, and always use hands-free wired kits. Some studies suggest that positioning the phone’s antenna far away from the body during the calls may also be helpful. But, how can you tell if your cell phone is causing a problem? Several topical symptoms are immediately recognizable and they include:

• Fatigue
• Headache
• Warmth behind the ear
• Warmth on the ear
• Burning skin

The long term solution

Removing any amalgam fillings, metal fixtures or dental repairs will more than likely eliminate potential and confirmed health problems in patients. Overall, ceramic dental implants and repairs are the best alternative and they are highly resistant to corrosion and superior to other implant materials such as titanium and amalgams. They also have a higher level of human biocompatibility with the added benefit of a far superior aesthetic value for patients.

Sources:

JOÓ, ERVIN, ANDRÁS SZÁSZ, AND PÉTER SZENDRÖ. “Metal-Framed Spectacles and Implants and Specific Absorption Rate Among Adults and Children Using Mobile Phones at 900/1800/2100 MHz.” Electromagnetic Biology and Medicine, 25: 103–112, 2006.

H Virtanen, J Huttunen, A Toropainen and R Lappalainen. “Interaction of mobile phones with superficial passive metallic implants.” Physics in Medicine and Biology 50 (2005) 2689–2700.

H Virtanen, J Keshvari and R Lappalainen. “The effect of authentic metallic implants on the SAR distribution of the head exposed to 900, 1800 and 2450 MHz dipole near field.” Physics in Medicine and Biology 52 (2007) 1221–1236.

Has the Dental Work in Your Mouth Turned You Into a Walking Antenna? http://www.drlinagarcia.com/view_articles.php,t=30

The prevention of occupational risks of electromagnetic fields. http://www.officiel-prevention.com/protections-collectives-organisation-ergonomie/rayonnements/detail_dossier_CHSCT.php?rub=38&ssrub=126&dossid=338

Are Metal Free Dental Implants Better than Titanium Implants?

Owing to their biocompatibility, high density and ability to withstand abuse, zirconia bioceramics are a far superior product when compared to metal for implantation in the human body. They are also an excellent choice as a dental implant material.

All-ceramic dental crown placed over an all-ceramic dental implant look and function very much like the natural tooth and they provide a top-to-bottom metal-free teeth replacement solution. This eliminates concerns of allergies and biocompatibility issues thereby lessening potential for damage to the immune system and adverse health problems. The term ‘bioceramics’ applies to a wide range of materials that, when compared to traditionally used metal implants, are harder and have higher temperature resistance, strength, very high density and excellent resistance to corrosion. These properties make ceramics invaluable for use in the oral environment where high temperature, corrosion and constant abrasion is ever present.

The Benefits of Zirconia Over Metal

While most dental implants are made of titanium, materials such as aluminum and vanadium are often alloyed or blended with the titanium which can create issues of allergy, galvanism and potentially impair the immune system in a number of ways. When differing metals are placed in the mouth or directly into the jaw bone as with a dental implant, those metals will eventually begin to release by-products from the oxidization process and are then circulated throughout the body.

For over five years zirconia dental implants have been available in the United States as an alternative to metal implants and they have been used quite successfully in Europe for over fifteen years. The advantage of these implants is that they are ceramic, and thus there is no concern of corrosion, galvanic/electrical activity or response to electromagnetic radiation. Zirconia (Zirconium Oxide) is not to be confused with Zirconium which is a metal found just below titanium on the periodic table. Zirconium oxide is the product now being used for the production of dental implants, it is the ceramic phase of Zirconium and it is called Zirconia.

Overall qualities of Zirconia dental implants include:

Biocompatibility: zirconium is an inert material with very low allergic potential.

Strength: The strength of the dental implant is exceptional compared to metal implants.

Metal-free: no corrosion, no galvanism effect, no metallic taste and no electronic disturbances.

Bone to Implant Contact:  Very high bone contact to the implant, above 75 percent.

Considerations Prior to an Implant

When patients exhibit overall healthfulness and are generally of a robust constitution, they tend to tolerate implants very well, but before considering something as serious as an implant procedure, a full health assessment is in order. In conjunction with assessing the patient’s physical state and ability to heal from surgery, most holistic dental practices are also concerned about the acupuncture meridian upon which the implant is placed. Every tooth in the mouth is located on an acupuncture meridian, and therefore can potentially affect specific organs, muscles, vertebrae and tissues.  Zirconia implants are preferable over metal implants for their biocompatibility factors but also very importantly they do not interfere with energy flow along one’s acupuncture meridians. Electrical skin resistance tests  are used to assess an individual’s energy system by measuring the energy meridian flows at specific accupoints on the body. These tests have shown that zirconia implants unlike metal implants do not interfere with the energy meridian system. 

Another consideration in whether or not to place implants for a particular patient has to do with whether or not they grind their teeth which might cause damage to the zirconia over time. In such cases nightguard is integrated in the overall treatment plan. Habits such as smoking or chewing tobacco may also negatively affect the long-term success of implants both ceramic and metal. And ultimately, patients with implants must be diligent about maintaining good oral hygiene.

How it Works

A reproduction of a tooth’s root is inserted in the jaw and over time, the implanted “root” bonds with the bone of the jaw. In other words, ceramic dental implants readily allow the bone to grow right up to the implant surface and is held securely in place by the bone. This process typically takes four to six months to completely heal before the permanent crown can be made.

Implants are integrated into the mouth in two basic stages.

First, a dental implant root is placed in the mouth. This root is often shaped like a screw. After surgery, the root will slowly integrate with the jaw bone in a stage called osseointegration which can take four to six months before the restoration(crown) phase of the process. Zirconia Implants have a very high bone-to-implant contact and some studies have shown up to 80% bone attachment to the surface of zirconia dental implants.

Once the osseointegration is complete, the dentist will take an impression to make a mold of your implant and other teeth. The mold will be sent to the dental laboratory and a crown is made just like on a natural tooth. The process is complete when the crown is returned and cemented on the implant. Since this crown is also made of zirconia it is usually indistinguishable from the surrounding natural teeth.

Caring for Your Implant after Surgery And Beyond

During the entire process, it is important for the patient to follow to all of the dentist’s instructions regarding oral hygiene. Regular brushing and flossing are key to the success of the osseointegration, and sloppy oral habits can potentially compromise a dental implantation surgery and the ultimate success of the implant.

Once your implant is fully integrated, caring for your teeth is very much like taking care of your natural teeth. Correct oral care must be followed including brushing and flossing at least twice a day. Ceramic dental implants will give you many years of use if cared for properly.

Scientific studies are now revealing the full extent of damage a person can inadvertently cause to their tooth enamel by consuming highly acidic beverages. With a reported 30- 50 percent of U.S. teenagers consuming popularized energy drinks on a daily basis, it is important that parents and young adults as well as fitness enthusiasts, understand the disadvantages these drinks can pose to oral health.

A recent study cited in General Dentistry; the Academy of General Dentistry’s clinical, peer-reviewed journal has revealed that fitness-minded adults and adolescents who routinely consume sports and energy drinks have an alarming increase in irreversible damage to teeth, damage that specifically targets the tooth enamel; the thin, outer layer of the tooth that helps preserve the tooth’s structure and prevent decay. Damage caused to sensitive tooth enamel is almost always irreversible, and without the protection of enamel, teeth become highly sensitive, prone to cavities, and more prone to decay.

The True Cost of Consuming Sports Drinks

People who pursue active lifestyles ironically may avoid colas or sugary drinks in favor of what they believe to be a ‘healthier’ alternative and so they tend to rely on sports or energy drinks to rehydrate after exercising. But, with the results of recent studies pointing to the fact that regular long-term use of such highly acidic beverages can lead to irreversible damage to dental enamel, athletic types are best advised to take precautions to protect their teeth by either choosing an alternative or adopting a habit of rinsing after consuming acidic drinks.

To determine the true acidic properties researchers examined the levels of acid in 13 sports drinks and nine energy drinks. To test the effect of the acidity levels, samples of human tooth enamel were immersed in each beverage for 15 minutes, followed by immersion in artificial saliva for two hours. The test was repeated over five days, four times each day. The goal of the test was to simulate the same type of exposure teeth are subject to by someone who drinks an average of one beverage every few hours. The researchers found that damage to enamel was evident after only five days, and energy drinks in particular showed a significantly greater potential to damage teeth than sports drinks – in fact, up to twice as much damage.

From this test and others of a similar type we can now conclude that enamel damage associated with all beverages ranging from greatest (1) to least (6) damage to dental enamel are as follows:

1.  lemonade
2. energy drinks
3. sports drinks
4. fitness water
5. iced tea
6. cola

Most cola-based drinks contain more than one type of acid, generally phosphoric and citric acids, both of which contribute to enamel damage. Sports beverages contain a range of other additives and organic acids that further exacerbate dental erosion. Organic acids also erode dental enamel as they break down calcium, which is needed to strengthen teeth and prevent gum disease.

How to Minimize the Damage

The best way to avoid damaging your dental enamel is to exercise caution when using sports drinks and similar beverages on a routine basis. Alternating sports drinks with water or low-fat milk after a workout can help to preserve tooth enamel and ultimately protect teeth from decay, but the best alternative is to minimize the intake of sports and energy drinks altogether. If you must drink acidic beverages it is advisable to chew sugar-free gum or rinse the mouth with water following consumption of the drinks as a way to increase saliva flow, which naturally helps to normalize acidity levels in the mouth. To avoid spreading acid onto the tooth surfaces thereby increasing the erosive action, it is a good idea to wait at least an hour before brushing after consuming sports and energy drinks.

A new movie available for download and viewing online called ‘Mercury Undercover’ is exposing the abhorrent practices going on at the national level that prevent mainstream Americans from learning the truth about poison contamination from dental amalgam. Mercury Undercover illustrates all the evidence about mercury contamination, and features interviews by doctors, renowned scientists, environmental experts and survivors of mercury poisoning.

The disturbing issues brought to light in this film are geared to alarm viewers just enough to cause them to pause before buying and consuming fish products and to take into consideration the potential ramifications of their next dental procedure.

A few points brought up by this movie include:

• The Agency of Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, a division of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, suggested thirteen years ago that dental amalgams could account for up to 75 percent of a person’s daily mercury exposure. There is approximately 1,000 mg of mercury in the typical silver amalgam filling, nearly one million times more mercury than is present in contaminated sea food.
• The World Health Organization (WHO) has stated that between 3-17 micrograms of mercury are released daily into the body by stimulating the filling through chewing, brushing and grinding, compared to only 2-5 micrograms from fish and all other environmental sources combined. An editorial in The New England Journal of Medicine also stated that dental amalgams were “possibly the chief source of exposure [to mercury] of a large segment of the U.S. population”. As shocking as it is, Americans and Europeans actually have more mercury in their mouths than exists in all manmade products combined – estimated at more than 1,000 tons. More than 180 million Americans of all ages host a total of 1.46 billion restored teeth, and the vast majority of those restorations are silver amalgams containing mercury. This measures out to about 75 percent of adults being exposed daily through silver amalgam fillings.
• The 2nd largest mercury polluters in the U.S. are dental practices. As a result of their continued use of mercury amalgam fillings, another 29.7 tons of mercury is discharged into the air, water and soil each year from installation and removal of amalgams. Mercury coming from dental offices is reported to be the largest source of mercury found in wastewater today. According to an article authored by Michael Bender (co-founder of the Mercury Policy Project), at least 40 percent of mercury streaming into public water treatment plants starts out in the dental office. And wastewater treatment plants are not set up to remove mercury, so it ends up in waterways and oceans where it contaminates marine life before cycling back into the food chain and ending up on your dinner plate. Ultimately, when you consider the costs associated with environmental cleanup dental amalgams are actually the most costly type of dental fillings on the market – in terms of environmental damage and harm to living organisms, including humans.

And a point of our own:

• Amalgams found in cadavers also post a risk to the environment. Emissions from the combustion of mercury fillings during the cremation process act as a major contaminator of air, waterways, soil, wildlife and food.

No less than 7-9 metric tons of mercury seeps into the atmosphere annually during the cremation process. As a result, it is expected that by the year 2020 the cremation of human remains will be the largest single cause of mercury pollution. And, it all started in the dental office.

Mercury Amalgams are not as cheap as dentists would like you to think

Amalgam fillings contain more mercury than any other product sold in America. And they are highly profitable to a dentist, which explains why it is so difficult to get them to use healthier composite products. Dentists can install amalgam fillings much faster than many composite fillings, and once installed they keep the patient coming back for repairs (due to the damaging effects of metal fillings on the structure of the tooth).

The average “amalgam” filling is typically a mixture of silver, copper, tin and zinc with an equal amount of mercury (up to 50 percent mercury). Fillings naturally deteriorate over time, leaching the various metal components into the body in the process and they react to substances such as acid in the mouth, causing the filling to deteriorate even more rapidly. The deteriorating vapor then enters the body and is subsequently inhaled into the lungs where it is absorbed into the blood stream. Likewise, as we eat, mercury is incorporated into food, is then swallowed and digested and absorbed into the bloodstream where it is distributed to more vulnerable tissues and organs. Mercury vapors readily pass through cell membranes, across the blood-brain barrier and into the central nervous system, where it causes psychological, neurological, and immunological problems. Children and fetuses, whose brains are still developing, are most at risk, but virtually anyone exposed to mercury in this way is at risk.

Aspiring dentists continue to be taught that the mercury in amalgams is “bound” with the other metals and therefore doesn’t leak, which is why 50 percent of them continue to believe mercury amalgam use is safe. However, by the fact that mercury vapor can be measured at all as it seeps away from the tip of the root is absolute proof that amalgam fillings can and do leach mercury poisons into the body.

Striving for change

The Mercury Undercover website suggests specific goals and objectives that need to be addressed to stop silver mercury amalgam use in America:

• Disclose mercury and end the “silver deception”; stop the ADA/dental board gag rule Inform consumers and dentists of the massive environmental harm caused by amalgam Make dentists (preferably those who perpetuate the use of mercury laced amalgams) pay for the massive harm to the environment; this would make the amalgam cost-prohibitive
• Ban amalgam for children and pregnant women Introduce ART (Atraumatic restorative treatment), a safe, low-cost dental filling material that requires only hand instruments to install, and can even be done by a dental hygienist
• End amalgam primacy in insurance plans

All of these points are excellent suggestions and honorable objectives. If you would like to help, The Consumers for Dental Choice has launched a worldwide Campaign for Mercury-Free Dentistry which outlines specific actions you can take on local, state, and national levels. Just visit their website to get started. They also suggest:

1. If you are not already seeing a mercury-free dentist, ask your dentist to switch to mercury-free dentistry.
2. If you work for a company that covers dental fillings, ask if they will cover composites or ART or other alternatives to amalgam.
3. If you know your Mayor or a member of your City or Town Council, consider asking if they will do what some California cities are doing: pass a resolution calling for an end to amalgam and a request that dentists in your town stop using amalgam.
4. And, write the Director of FDA’s Center for Devices, Jeff Shuren, jeff.shuren@fda.hhs.gov Ask Dr Shuren why FDA continues to ignore the scientists and covers up the mercury from American parents and consumers. Ask when FDA is going to get in step with the world on mercury.

Dr. Jeff Shuren, Director

Center for Devices, U.S. Food & Drug Admin.

10903 New Hampshire Ave.

WO66-5431, Room 5442

Silver Spring, MD 20993-0002

Telephone 301-796-5900

Brushing our teeth is an exercise in self-care that most of us do at least twice a day but there is also something we seldom consider; the health of that toothbrush. It might shock you to realize that literally millions of microorganisms (bacteria) live on the bristles of your personal toothbrush. That comes down to millions of microscopic bugs that can potentially cause flu, colds and other illnesses.

Recent studies have confirmed that oral health is connected with overall healthfulness. For example, there is a strong correlation between heart disease, diabetes, premature delivery in pregnant women, and strokes; and gum disease. Researchers discovered there are upwards of 10 million bacteria live on the typical toothbrush and we know that tooth decay is also caused by the type of bacteria that can survive on toothbrushes.

Studies have proven that cold and flu viruses and even the viruses that cause fever blisters (Herpes Simplex I) can survive on toothbrushes for several days – infecting and re-infecting the unsuspecting owner of that toothbrush. Here are just a few viruses that thrive on toothbrushes and some of the problems they can cause:

• E. Coli: bloody diarrhea and severe abdominal pain and tenderness with no fever
• Influenza Virus: fever, cough, headache and fatigue, sore throat, vomiting and diarrhea
• Staphylococci Bacteria: abscesses, boils, and skin infections
• Herpes Simplex I: can affect the mouth, face and skin and can be present in the body without symptoms, generally causes recurring and painful blisters (cold sores or fever blisters)
• Candida Albicans: mild nasal congestion, blisters in the mouth, sore throat or abdominal pain, and/or fatigue, dizziness and mood swings
• Coliform Bacteria: usually present along other disease-causing bacteria and organisms

Some researchers also discovered bio-film thriving on toothbrushes, which is living colonies of breeding bacteria, with estimated numbers as high as 100 million microorganisms existing on individual brushes.

Protecting Your Toothbrush

Surprisingly, it isn’t the bacteria from your mouth that contributes to the worst bacterial problems on a toothbrush, it’s the fact that most people store their toothbrush unprotected in the open, on
the bathroom counter top. By far, flushing the toilet is the worst culprit for germs found on most toothbrushes. Every time you flush the toilet invisible jets of water propels germs into the air, where they can land on toothbrushes.

Family toothbrushes stored side-by-side only compound the risk of sharing germs and viruses. Bacteria, molds, and fungi love moist environments provided by most bathrooms and they also love dark enclosed spaces, so storing toothbrushes in the medicine cabinet may not be as ideal as you might think.

While most dentists recommend replacing your toothbrush every couple of months, most American’s aren’t likely to change their toothbrushes more than twice a year. Here are some steps you can take to keep your toothbrush germ free:

Storage: Store toothbrushes away from the toilet in a cool, dry place.

Rinse well: Wash off your toothbrush thoroughly with tap water every time you use it.

Dry it after use: Dry your toothbrush thoroughly between brushings and avoid using toothbrush covers, which can create a moist enclosed breeding ground for bacteria.

Store it upright. Store your toothbrush upright in a holder, rather than lying it down.

Keep it to yourself: Never share a toothbrush and avoid storing it side-by-side in the same container with other people’s brushes.

Ultraviolet Light: Studies indicate that ultraviolet light can be effective in killing germs on toothbrushes and are able to kill many of the bacteria, yeasts, and viruses. A study conducted at New York University Medical Center on countertop ultraviolet toothbrush sanitizers found that this device eliminated up to 99.9 percent of bacteria tested on toothbrushes.

Hydrogen Peroxide Rinse: Cheaper than an ultraviolet device and a measure perhaps just as effective could be the practice of rinsing your toothbrush after each use with hydrogen peroxide. Hydrogen peroxide is antibacterial, antifungal, kills mold and mildew and when used properly, it is non-toxic for humans, plants, household animals.

Best practice: keep it clean and keep on brushing

Now that you know how to keep your toothbrush truly clean and germ free as a way to protect yourself and your family from harmful bacteria, it is also important to choose a brush that will do the work of keeping your teeth clean without harming the delicate surface of the tooth or gums. Choose a brush with soft or medium bristles, as they are gentler on the gums and may actually clean better because they’re more flexible. Brush twice a day, at least two minutes each time and rinse your mouth after sugary or starchy snacks. Replace your toothbrush frequently. These practices combined with visiting your dentist regularly for check-ups and cleanings will help to ensure that you have a lifelong healthy smile.

There is good news for folks who remain loyal to the recommended annual visit to the dental hygienist; A recent study from Taiwan suggests that people who routinely get their teeth cleaned (undergo professional tooth scaling) have as much as 24 percent lower risk of heart attacks and 13 percent lower risk of stroke, than those who never actually visit the hygienist. Researchers have also concluded from a similar Swedish study that harmful oral flora is an excellent predictor of heart attack and stroke.

The effects of oral health on overall healthfulness have been the subject of scientific studies for quite some time, and this new research provides added proof that patients who receive regular dental care and follow recommended oral hygiene regimens can successfully reduce their risk of both heart attack and stroke.

The study from Taiwan followed 100,000 participants over a 7-year period, most of whom submitted to professional teeth cleaning at least twice or more in two years; and at least once or less in two years. About half of the adults underwent full or partial tooth scaling while the other half matched with gender and health conditions from the test group but had no tooth scaling.

Although researchers did not adjust for potential heart attack and stroke risk factors prior to the study none of the participants reported a history of heart attack or stroke.

Emily (Zu-Yin) Chen, M.D., cardiology fellow at the Veterans General Hospital in Taipei, Taiwan concluded from the study that protection from heart disease and stroke was more pronounced in participants who received tooth scaling at least once a year. In other words, clinical oral health care—tooth scaling—reduces bacterial growth that can lead to serious cardiovascular conditions.

In a separate study coming from Sweden, researchers discovered that the value of markers for gum disease predict heart attack, congestive heart failure and stroke in different ways and in slightly different degrees. Anders Holmlund, D.D.S., Ph.D. Centre for Research and Development of the County Council of Gävleborg, Sweden, and senior consultant; Specialized Dentistry, studied 7,999 participants with periodontal disease and found people with:

• Fewer than 21 teeth had a 69 percent increased risk of heart attack compared to those with the most teeth.
• A higher number of deepened periodontal pockets (infection of the gum around the base of the tooth) had a 53 percent increased risk of heart attack compared to those with the fewest pockets.
• The least amount of teeth had a 2.5 increased risk of congestive heart failure compared to those with the most teeth.
• The highest incidence of gum bleeding had a 2.1 increased risk of stroke compared to those with the lowest incidence.

These studies highlight the importance of educating patients about oral health to stress the potential impact periodontal disease can have on overall healthfulness. Unfortunately many adults develop some type of periodontal disease due to a lack of daily brushing and flossing, and all too infrequent visits to the dental hygienist.  Routine teeth cleaning will help avoid periodontal disease, and ultimately can help to prevent heart attack and stokes.