Dr. Noumbissi was invited to present the first ever presentation in ceramic implantology at the scientific session of the 104th Meeting of the Philippine Dental Association in Manila. This one of a kind and well attended event took place at the SMX convention center in Pasay City.
BACKGROUND:
The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), states that “Integrative Medicine combines mainstream medical therapies and complimentary and alternative medical therapies for which there is some high-quality scientific evidence of safety and effectiveness.” An alternative medicine that is used in conjunction with a conventional one is known as a “complementary” medicine. An example of such practice is when patients undergoing chemotherapy use natural ginger syrup to prevent nausea. In 2007 a comprehensive National Health Interview Survey was conducted on the use by American adults of complementary alternative medicine which is also known as CAM. The results showed that approximately 38 percent of adults surveyed use CAM. In dentistry dental implants are a “conventional” or a mainstream dental therapy and currently the vast majority of implant dentists use conventional medical therapies such as surgery, synthetic drugs and titanium implants to manage healing and achieve bone integration and effectively replace teeth.
There is an overuse of synthetic drugs to manage patients recovery after implant surgery and this has led to many surgeons and other practitioners to underestimate their patients ability to self heal. This can only happen if they are detoxed and their immune system properly restored and empowered. Today an increasing number of people are choosing healthier lifestyles, alternative medicine and are more and more reluctant to accept metals to be implanted in their bodies. They also increasingly resist the idea of synthetic drugs-only options to treat or prevent health problems. Dental and medical research show there is increasing evidence that medical and dental metal implants will corrode and trigger various types of health problems in some individuals including metal sensitivity, metal toxicity, delayed healing after implant surgery, and even delayed implant failure many years after implantation.
COURSE OBJECTIVES:
Miles of Smiles Implant Dentistry is presenting this unique two-day course where multidimensional medicine and holistic dental implantology intersect. This program is designed to demonstrate the intimate correlation between multidimensional medicine and successful zirconia (ceramic) implant surgery. The first goal of this course is to enable the participants to understand and appreciate the critical interrelationship that exists between a clean body, a boosted immune system and optimal recovery from implant surgery. As such during consultation the doctor will be taught how to obtain relevant information from the patient and determine what type of pre and post surgical detoxification and immune boosting protocols to request from the multidimensional physician. Protocols as simple as timely IV administration of targeted vitamins and minerals make a significant difference in patient recovery allowing for optimal, fast healing and ultimate success of dental implants. The second objective of this program is also to present top to bottom natural, drug free protocols and methods of metal-free tooth replacement with ceramic implants.
This course will enable participants to:
SPEAKERS:
Dr. Sakiliba M. Mines, MD is an Integrative Family Physician. She has been a pioneer in Integrative Medicine, practicing for over 30 years. She obtained her Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry -Nutrition at Spellman College in Atlanta, Georgia, and her Medical Doctorate from Hahnemann Medical College in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She completed her specialty as a Family Physician at Howard University Hospital and currently holds a Doctorate of Integrative Medicine. She is a member and instructor with the International Association of Colon Hydrotherapist, and a member of the American Holistic Medical Association. Dr. Mines is the medical director and founder of The Institute of Multidimensional Medicine and Medical Spa. Dr. Mines utilizes extensive medical diagnostic testing, quantum physics assessments, genetic testing and detoxification and has developed natural and holistic protocols to optimize patients healing and recovery from medical and oral surgery procedures. Dr. Mines is a researcher who presents the newest information to her patients. Dr. Mines teaches at seminars and lectures nationally and internationally to educate the community and her colleagues.
Dr. Sammy Noumbissi, DDS MS obtained his Doctorate in Dental Surgery from Howard University College of Dentistry. After obtaining his DDS, he received formal training in Implant Dentistry at the three-year Graduate Dental Implantology Residency program at Loma Linda University in California. Dr. Noumbissi is a member of the editorial board of the Journal of Implant and Advanced Clinical Dentistry and a reviewer for the Journal of Oral Implantology and he is active in clinical research and in areas that further the science of Implant Dentistry. Dr. Noumbissi is also a published author and has published abstracts and articles in peer reviewed dental journals. Dr. Noumbissi is founder of Miles of Smiles Institute for Dental Implantology; he lectures extensively and trains dentists nationally and internationally on topics relating to diagnosis and treatment planning and the multiple applications of implants and ceramic dental implants in oral rehabilitation.
Continued education hours: Twelve (12) CEU will be awarded.
Course fee: $599 before February 10, 2013.
Registration: Please call Ms. Ronetta Jones at 301-588-0768
Lodging: Lodging information will be provided upon completion of registration.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Ceramic dental implants are recommended to patients because:
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.
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.
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.
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;
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.
In the world of medicine, zirconium oxide is being used more consistently as the material of choice for bone related reconstruction, particularly hip prosthesis. This growing trend has led to substantial clinical reports which confirm the high biocompatibility and quality of zirconium oxide, making it an attractive component for use as dental implants. Not only does Zirconium Oxide overcome most of the pitfalls of other dental implant products (such as Titanium), but patients now have a choice of a material that is esthetic, strong, pure, corrosion-free, biocompatible and capable of being used for all dental implant and appliance applications.
The immune system will typically respond to non-compatible dental materials as if they were infections or ‘invaders’ by initiating a cascade of reactions geared toward eliminating that ‘invader’. A good analogy to this would be how your body reacts to a cold or flu by elevating levels of lymphocytes and activating the immune system, a reaction that eventually rids the body of the cold or flu. The difference is that with dental toxicity the source of the problem is permanently imbedded in the mouth, and therefore there is no way for the ‘infection’ to be eliminated by the immune system.
Using only quality biocompatible materials that are proven to have very low adverse allergic reactions and present no negative responses from the immune system is highly important for the health of our patients. It is also the reason that biological, natural and holistic dental practices strive to use only materials that are as neutral as possible. Zirconium is a very strong, inert material with very low allergic potential and therefore a higher biocompatibility than other materials used as dental implants.
Considering that every person’s body and physiology is unique, some individuals will be more compatible than others with certain types of materials used in dental treatments and procedures. But ultimately, a biocompatible material will not cause:
An all-ceramic dental crown over an all-ceramic dental implant looks and functions very much like the missing tooth did. Ceramic implants provide metal-free tooth replacement solutions, eliminating concerns of allergies and biocompatibility issues thereby lessening concerns for damage to the immune system. Zirconium Oxide provides safe, holistic results that are comfortable, natural in appearance and biocompatible:
Our objective is to make as many biocompatible options available to our patients as possible and it is important to us to achieve the highest level of biocompatibility, particularly in cases where patients have compromised immune systems. Whenever considering a dental restoration we strongly suggest that extensive biocompatibility and metal allergy testing be done beforehand to ensure the best results.
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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).”
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:
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.
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
Dr. Noumbissi was invited to speak at the 28th annual meeting of the International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology in Minneapolis. The topics presented were Zirconia as a dental implant material. Zirconia is the ceramic state of the metal zirconium which has been used for over twenty years in orthopedics. For the last decade it has also been used as a metal-free dental implant material. Unfortunately there is a lot of misunderstanding and misinformation both among dentists and the public as to the viability and predictability of zirconia as an oral and maxillofacial implantable material. The second presentation was focused on the clinical applications of zirconia dental implants, cases presented ranged from single tooth replacement to full arches metal-free rehabilitation.
Metal Free dental implants (ceramic dental implants) are preferred by holistic dentists and patients alike for both their functional and cosmetic attributes. The unique characteristics of the implant itself virtually eliminate issues of bone deterioration, soft tissue (gum) discoloration and help to improve a patient’s ability to chew food normally. Ceramic implants are biocompatible and easily incorporate into the surrounding bone, which results in permanent stability of teeth and a natural cosmetic look which patients prefer.
Sensitivities or allergies to metals commonly used in dentistry can be a problem for many people. In addition to sensitivity and allergy issues, holistic dentists have concerns about electrical effects of titanium and titanium alloy implants with their abutments and crowns. More often than not, all the aforementioned parts are made of different metals and metal alloys. The pairing of dissimilar metals to replace missing teeth in the mouth create a “battery effect” or low electrical currents when combined with saliva. This phenomenon is called “oral galvanism” and if you have silver fillings they can participate in or intensify the process. Data collected by dentists and researchers shows that oral galvanism may affect health and most particularly the function of the nervous system.
Metal free dental implants are made up of the dioxide of zirconium. Zircon is a mineral and is the precursor of zirconium dioxide which is found in nature. Through a complex process of chemical and structural changes, zircon is transformed into zirconium which is a metal close to titanium. Zirconium is further modified by a unique oxidation process into the dioxide of zirconium also called zirconium oxide (ZrO2) or zirconia. Zirconium dioxide is classified as a ceramic. Since this material is nonmetallic it does not conduct electricity or interfere with the body’s own energy systems (meridians), its use as a bioceramic implant helps eliminate concerns about health issues related to the long-term use of metals in the mouth. With a growing concern for the problems related to metallic substances in the mouth and their potential impact on the immune systems, ceramic dental implants virtually eliminate the negative effects found with titanium implants.
The white coloring of the material used in metal free dental implants has many advantages over the gray colored material used for titanium, creating much more natural looking results. With a ceramic dental implant it is possible for patients to enjoy the feel and functionality of firmly anchored teeth, without having to resort to the inconvenience and embarrassment of conventional dentures. In addition, a ceramic implant coupled with full contour ceramic crowns creates a beautiful restoration that is extremely stable and strong, and capable of withstanding the extreme environment of the mouth for quite literally — decades.
People who prefer going to holistic dentists naturally favor mercury-free and metal-free dental procedures. Many don’t want metals and metal alloys in their mouth because of the potential for toxins, corrosion and the harmful effects they have on the immune system.
The term “bioceramics” applies to a wide range of materials that, when compared to traditionally used metal implants, are actually harder and have higher temperature resistance, strength, lower density and excellent resistance to corrosion. These properties make bioceramics like zirconia invaluable for use in the oral environment where high temperature, corrosion, extreme pressure and constant abrasion are ever present. Also, ceramic dental implants have high resistance to fracture and heat, and have been proven to be as strong if not stronger than titanium.
Since the implant is anchored directly into the jaw it is naturally assimilated into the bone to give firm support to the artificial replacement that it is built to hold. Due to its nonmetallic construction the ceramic dental implant does not interfere with the body’s immune or meridian systems and therefore lessens the potential for rejection or other systemic or immunological health problems.
Another added benefit of zirconium implants has to do with how well the gums react to the material following surgery, lessening incidents of gum disease, high inflammation and implant failure. Whereas titanium products tend to create lingering and unpleasant complications including gum disease and inflammation, which is likely caused by the free radicals present in the metallic materials.
And finally, the long-term health benefits presented by ceramic implants include its proven ability to resist plaque build-up, making it easier for patients to care for their implant teeth and sustain good oral hygiene. Plaque accumulation leads to higher bacterial counts in the mouth and ultimately to high levels of toxins and inflammation.
Whether you’re concerned about potential complications presented by having metals in the mouth or if you are simply looking for a more natural result, ceramic dental implants are a great alternative to titanium dental implants. Holistic dentists tend to offer ceramic dental implants to their patients precisely because they support a metal-free philosophy.
About half of all of dentists in the United States have made the choice to stop using amalgam, and its way past time for the other half to follow suit. The fact is that most dentists who continue to use amalgam really don’t believe that amalgam can be harmful to them, their patients or staff. They stick to what they’ve been taught in dental school, choosing not to question the standards for fear of reprisal.
As the number of mercury-free dentists continues to grow, there are more and more dentists who offer a more holistic or “biological” approach to dental care. Therefore it is important that we continue to point out the pitfalls to mercury amalgams, and to urge the other 50 percent to overcome the ignorance that perpetuates its use. 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 they continue to believe mercury amalgam use is safe. However, by the fact that mercury vapor can be measured 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.
A combination of greed and power has brought about a situation that continues to perpetuate public ignorance on the subject, and as a consequence the Food & Drug Association in partnership with the American Dental Association has for years knowingly concealed the dangers of ‘silver’ amalgam use from the public.
Recent studies of the effects of various toxic heavy metals on the brain, specifically; aluminum, lead, arsenic, cadmium and mercury, reveal that the most toxic metal is without a doubt, mercury. Scientific research points to the fact that mercury is the most likely culprit underlying much chronic disease, and something the majority of physicians, including dentists, simply are not educated about. Mercury poisoning can result in a variety of complex and health threatening neurological, immunological, and endocrinological problems. It not only exacerbates inflammation, it also impairs the body’s ability to detoxify itself, causing greater susceptibility to diseases in general. Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease and other neurological diseases have all been linked to exposure to mercury, and even trace amounts of mercury can cause the type of damage observed in the brains of Alzheimer’s patients.
Scientists and researchers now believe Alzheimer’s impairs communication and coordination between cells. The brain has up to a 100 billion nerve cells called neurons and these neurons make up an intricate network or ‘neural super highway’ that requires a great deal of energy and constant and effective waste removal. These processes require a large amount of fuel and oxygen. Heavy metals such as mercury can seriously impair these necessary neurological processes.
It is thought that mercury becomes an aggravating factor for Alzheimer’s, particularly when present in combination with other heavy metals such as zinc, cadmium and lead; a toxic combination that is always present when Alzheimer’s becomes a factor. In other words, even the smallest amounts of mercury work in partnership with other heavy metals to create damaging effects on the brain. In addition, the reaction of dental amalgam mercury combined with toxic substances produced by periodontal disease bacteria very likely enhances the toxicity of the mercury being released. Ultimately, mercury is much more toxic to individuals who are exposed to other heavy metals.
Though the efforts of organizations such as Consumers for Dental Choice which works to get mercury banned from dentistry worldwide, a growing number of consumers are becoming aware of the dangers of mercury amalgams, and are beginning to realize what a toxic mess they may have in their own mouths. As a result, many people today are looking for ways to reduce the mercury impact on their immune systems by replacing mercury amalgams with a healthier composite. However, it is important to realize that nothing has the potential to release more mercury vapor directly into the body’s sensitive system, than the removal of an amalgam filling. For this reason it is highly important to make sure that your silver fillings are removed by a dentist who has been expertly trained in this procedure. The removal of mercury laced fillings requires careful isolation of the filled tooth from the rest of the oral cavity through the use of a rubber dam. This combined with vacuums providing suction in and around the mouth aimed at capturing mercury while the extraction is taking place, helps to reduce over-exposure during the delicate removal process. But not all dentists are yet aware of how important such safety precautions are when dealing with amalgams.
Because of mercury exposure from amalgam in the workplace, studies now clearly demonstrate that dental workers have elevated systemic mercury levels. Up to this point, few of these dental workers – mostly women of childbearing age – have been given protective gear or filtering masks to minimize exposure to mercury. Due to the persistent misinformation about the dangers of mercury poisoning caused by dental amalgams, many of these people are not even aware of the risks of occupational mercury exposure. As a result, an alarming number of cases having to do with neurological problems, reproductive failures, and birth defects caused by amalgam exposure in the workplace are being reported by dental workers all across the globe.
Biological dentists are well aware of the dangers presented by a wide range of toxic materials including mercury amalgams. Following a very specific procedure during the removal process will help to keep you (and your dentist) safe by:
For a complete description of how to safely remove mercury amalgam, see this PDF created by the International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology (IAOMT).
More information:“The Scientific Case Against Mercury Amalgam.”
Well over 100 million Americans suffer some form tooth loss, and today ceramic dental implants represent the most aesthetically pleasing option available for tooth replacement. Ceramic implants are comfortable for our patients, and due to their all-white color they present the most natural looking results. Dental implants are the better alternative to bridges, partials or dentures (find out why ceramic implants are better than bridges here) and most importantly; ceramic dental implants perform just like natural teeth.
When teeth are removed or lost due to trauma or infection the underlying bone is no longer used, resulting in a weakened jaw and bone loss. This makes it difficult to smile, chew and do other things most of us take for granted. Furthermore teeth next to the lost tooth/teeth shift and and the opposing one(s) drift into the spaces left by missing teeth. These ultimately lead to malocclusion, jaw collapse, jaw muscle pain and even chronic headaches. Dental implants provide the same function as the natural tooth root which they replace, including stimulating the bone in the most natural way possible and maintaining adjacent and opposing teeth in their place. Ceramic dental implants prevent bone deterioration and improve a patient’s ability to chew food normally.
Dental implants can last a lifetime and are placed directly into the bone where the teeth are missing. They do not adversely affect the adjacent healthy teeth as do traditional bridges. Implants bond to the jawbone and become part of it – making a connection as strong as a natural tooth root.
Whether you’re concerned about metals in the mouth or prefer to have natural looking teeth, ceramic dental implants provide the best alternative to titanium dental implants.
For more information or a free consultation, please give us a call today: 301-880-1410