Robert Lufkin MD: What To Do About Mercury Dental Fillings?

Mercury is a potent neurotoxin capable of inducing cognitive impairment, memory loss, and the amyloid beta plaques associated with Alzheimer's disease. While organic mercury is commonly found in seafood, inorganic mercury exposure primarily stems from dental amalgam fillings, which consist of approximately 50% mercury and can leak up to 10 micrograms daily into the bloodstream. Detecting toxicity is complex because mercury migrates into bone and brain tissue, often leaving blood tests within "normal" ranges; consequently, a comprehensive "tri test" analyzing blood, urine, and hair provides a more accurate assessment. Management strategies prioritize avoiding new amalgam fillings and considering the removal of existing ones if unexplained cognitive decline or elevated mercury levels are present. However, removal must be performed by experienced professionals to minimize the high risk of acute mercury exposure during the procedure.