SYMPTOMS BEFORE AND AFTER PROPER AMALAGAM REMOVAL
IN RELATION TO SERUM - GLOBULIN REACTION TO METALS
Abstract
The results of this study indicate that proper amalgam
removal - and in some cases removal of all the other metals too - and
replacement with biocompatible composites - can eliminate or reduce 80% of the
classic symptoms of chronic mercury poisoning.
These results also show that the strength of an individual's
serum-globulin reactions, to many metals used in dentistry, especially the five
metals present in amalgam, has important implications for recovery.
Introduction
It has been documented that mercury escapes from amalgam
fillings and adversely affects health. 1.2.3.
Many clinical experiments have also demonstrated that
symptoms associated with mercury poisoning greatly decrease when amalgam
fillings are removed and replaced by less toxic materials - for example,
composite materials. 4.5.6.7.8.
This study differs from similar clinical studies in
demonstrating the correlation between the patient`s serum-globulin reaction to
dental metals and the patient's response after amalgam fillings (and other
metals) are replaced with composite materials found to be biocompatible with the
individual patient.
One hundred eighteen patients participated in this study,
consisting of 97 women and 21 men ranging in age from 18 to 73 years. The
average age of participants was 45 years. Before treatment began in 1990-91, a
blood serum test was performed on each patient in order to determine which
dental materials caused minimal reactions in the individual. This serum analysis
incorporated globulin reactions for metals.
Scientific research by Pleva, Clarkson, Masi and many others
has proven that metals are essential for normal human functioning. However,
certain metals are poisonous, even in extremely small quantities, and serve no
biological function. Heavy metals, including mercury and cadmium, are in this
category.9 10
11. Other metals, for
example copper, zinc and selenium, are necessary in minute quantities, but are
toxic in large quantities. Products of corrosion and metals which react
chemically with proteins or methyl groups are extremely poisonous.12
Removing all dental metals, thereby removing a constant and
probably excessive source of exposure to metals, could obviously have a positive
impact on the patient. Individuals react differently to many metals, as
demonstrated by the blood serum test. This suggests that individuals will show
varying degrees of improvement when exposure to these metals ceases.
Method and Result
The 118 patients involved in the study completed a survey
discussing 38 classic symptoms of chronic mercury poisoning. Before removal of
amalgam (and in some cases, additional metals) each patient underwent a blood
serum test of their globulin reaction to 34 different metals and assorted dental
materials. The patients then had all amalgam fillings removed. Some patients
also elected to have other metal and porcelain dental work removed.
Symptoms
Before Amalgam Removal
The survey covered 38 symptoms and complaints common to
chronic mercury poisoning, as found in related literature. Participating in the
survey were 118 patients who have been with my clinic since 1984.
The following symptoms and complains were common - before
amalgam removal - to more than 50% of the participants.
Fatigue 83% Headache 58%
Poor concentration 76%
Bloating 58% Poor memory 65%
Throat pain 57%
Irritability 64% Joint pain 57%
Muscle fatigue 62 Allergies 55%
Metallic taste 61% Poor appetite 51%
Prior to amalgam removal, all patient had an average of 17.4
of the 38 symptoms and complaints listed in the study. The 58 patients who
reacted strongly to many metals had on average no more symptoms and complaints
than the 60 patients who demonstrated milder total reaction to metals.
Blood Serum Globulin Reaction
All patients had a blood test taken at an authorized
laboratory. The separated blood serum was frozen and send via SAS Cargo to the
Diagnostic Center`s laboratory in Colorado Springs, Colorado, USA. This
laboratory, under the direction of Hal Huggins DDS MS, is state approved and
highly reputable.13
Another laboratory in Colorado Springs, under the direction
of W.J. Clifford MS, member of IAOMT (International Academy of Oral Medicine and
Toxicology), performed the same serum analysis.14
The test performed is described in medical literature as a
precipitin test. The test determines the quantity of globulins (IgA, IgG and IgM)
formed when the patients blood serum comes in contact with the metals,
components and corrosion products in many dental materials.
The globulins are measured photometrically and the results
indicate the relative serum reaction of individual patients. Besides the dental
materials, the blood serum test applies to 34 additional metals. Participants
responded positively to 32 of these metals. The distribution of patients
response is shown below.
Strong reaction:
Moderate reaction:
Reaction on "Amalgam-metals:"
Molybdenum 99%
Titanium 14%
Zinc
97%
Selenium 14%
Mercury 82%
Cadmium 93%
Beryllium
10%
Copper 92%
Iridium 3%
Platinum 5%
Indium 87% Lithium
1%
Silver 86%
Silver
86%
Tungsten 3%
Mercury
82%
Cobalt 4%
Nickel
79%
Chromium 1%
Aluminium
75% Bismuth
3% Copper
92%
Barium 2%
Tin
69%
Antimony 2%
Palladium 31%
Vanadium 8% Tin
69%
Cerium 22%
Ruthenium
2%
Iron
14% Gallium
1%
Zinc 97%
Selenium
14% Strontium
1%
Gold
14%
Zirconium
0%
Rhodium 0%
Serum tests of several hundred patients showed that 98%
reacted to some of the most popular composite materials. About 75 participants
reacted to aluminium, which is present in many dental filling materials. Because
aluminium is present in all glass ionomers, all patients who react to aluminium
will react to this material. Some sufficiently strong composite dental materials,
for example Posterior II and Conquest, do not contain aluminium. These are
composed of substances and metals to which most patients react mildly.
Metals Used In Dentistry
A tremendous variety of metals are used in dentistry. A gold
crown normally consist of gold and platinum and may contain many different
metals, especially in the case of a "discount crown", where silver,
copper, palladium, tin, indium and/or molybdenum are substituted for the
expensive metals. The metal hardware under porcelain crowns frequently contains
gold, palladium, silver, platinum, tin, indium, gallium and copper. Wires for
regulating teeth and bands placed around teeth are composed of nickel, chromium,
molybdenum and silicon. Dentures made of metal, so-called unitors are usually
made of cobalt, chromium, molybdenum, silicon, titanium and sometimes nickel.
Many patients demonstrate globulin reactions to these metals,
as indicated by the blood serum test. participants reacted to a range of 3 to 19
metals, the average participant reacting to 10 metals. The metal reactions were
calculated with values ranging from 1 to 9 for each metal, 9 being the strongest
reaction. The average combined reactions to all metals totaled 40 points,
ranging from 6 to 108 points. When the 5 amalgam metals (mercury, copper, silver,
tin and zinc) are considered exclusively, the average reaction is 20 points
ranging from 2 to 45 point.
The known potency of the material must be taken into
consideration when comparing these reactions. For example, beryllium and mercury
are known to cause adverse reactions with extremely small doses. Other metals
like copper and aluminium may cause a relatively higher reaction as measured in
point, without being more dangerous. However, in this study this issue is
immaterial because for each patient we compare the total of reactions to all
metal/amalgam metal with their symptoms before and after removal of metals.
We compared the change in the symptoms of participants who
reacted strongly to amalgam metals with those of participants who reacted mildly
to amalgam metals, and the same procedure was followed for those who had a
strong or mild reaction to other metals.
All amalgam fillings were replaced in all participants. 2,600
amalgam areas were removed, averaging 22 areas per patient. 29 patients had all
other metals replaced, especially gold/porcelain. This group had 128 gold
surfaces, average 4.4 per patient. The replacement of fillings took place
according to methods recommended by Hal Huggins DDS MS, Colorado Springs, USA.
His recommendation include:
reinforcement of immune system with antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and special dietary; guidelines before and after treatment;All questions arising during treatment were addressed.
protect with rubberdam while drilling;
proper ventilation;
strong external and internal oral suction;
carbon tablet ingestion before and after each treatment;
one drink of alcohol immediately before treatment;
electrical checking of polarity of fillings was performed before each drilling to ensure that the fillings in the quadrant with the greatest negative charge were removed first;
treatments were not performed on the same days of the week to avoid depressed immune defense, which occurs on the 7th, 14th and 21st days after stress;
the patients had amalgam fillings and other metals replaced with the most biocompatible plastic material, as indicated by their blood serum test. The composite Posterior II was used in most cases;
each patient received a very detailed explanation and written instructions before treatment began.
Best results are obtained when both doctor and patient follow these methods.
Results After Proper Amalgam Removal
After amalgam removal, 79 participants had no amalgam or metals remaining. 39 had no visible amalgam, having elected to retain one or more gold or porcelain crowns, under which amalgam may be present. One to four years after removal, all patients responded to the same survey as previously noted, inquiring whether the 38 symptoms and complaints had improved, disappeared, or remained unchanged.
The results of this survey indicate that for the average participant,out of 17 symptoms, 8.2 were reduced, 5.1 were eliminated, and 3.7 were unchanged. In other words, 48% of symptoms were reduced, 31% were eliminated, and 21% were unchanged. See Fig.1)
In total, 79% of the symptoms and complaints were reduced or eliminated after amalgam removal.
Fig.1.
In over 90% of responses, the following symptoms were reduced
or eliminated: tender teeth; bad breath, metallic taste; diarrhea; leg cramps;
frequent infections.
In over 80% of responses, the following symptoms were reduced
or eliminated: bleeding gums; blisters & sores; throat pains; nasal
congestion; nasal discharge; headache; migraine; irrational fear; irritability;
insomnia; dizziness; muscle tremors.
Fig.2.
This study indicates that patients with mild reactions to
metals are more likely to have fewer or no symptoms than those patients with
strong reactions,
This difference is more pronounced when comparing patient`s
reactions to the five amalgam metals (mercury, silver, copper, tin and zinc).
Patients with strong amalgam metal reaction showed reduction or elimination of
74% of symptoms and complaints, whereas patients with mild amalgam metal
reaction showed reduction or elimination of 84% .(See Fig.3)
Fig.3.
The group with mild metal reaction showed greater than 10%
improvement in following symptoms: allergies; skin problems; tender teeth;
nasal discharge; constipation; fatigue; insomnia; muscle fatigue; muscle tremors;
sciatic pain; joint pain; cold hands and feet; frequent infections. The
group with strong metal reaction showed greater than 10% improvement in the
following symptoms: blisters and sores; digestive pain; heart problems.
CHANGES IN INDIVIDUAL SYMPTOMS AND COMPLAINTS FOLLOWING
AMALGAM REMOVAL.
Number of symptoms before
amalgam removal.
Number of symptoms reduced after amalgam removal.
Number
of symptoms eliminated after amalgam removal.
% of
symptoms reduced or eliminated for those that had
high
metalreaction.
Symptoms/complains
low
metalreaction
Allergy
65
40
3
57
73Skin reaction 51 28 10 67 80
Bleeding gums 50 19 25 89 87
Tender teeth 49 20 29 78 100
Bad breath 41 20 17 90 91
Metallic taste 72 12 59 100 98
Blisters & sores 46 20 21 96 86
Watery eyes 43 19 15 82 75
Throat irritation 67 31 24 80 84
Facial tension 56 24 18 80 77
Nasal congestion 52 29 17 84 92
Nasal discharge 32 14 13 73 91
Bloating 69 33 18 71 76
Hunger pain 60 22 14 62 65
Poor appetite 21 8 8 77 75
Diarrhea 48 23 20 92 87
Constipation 44 22 7 59 74
Intestinal cramps 50 24 14 81 71
Headache 68 41 17 82 89
Migraine 21 11 6 78 83
Fatigue 98 54 19 67 82
Poor concentration 90 50 14 67 75
Poor memory 77 41 13 74 67
Irrational fear 42 27 10 89 87
Irritability 76 42 19 82 81
Depression 56 34 16 81 97
Insomnia 54 31 13 79 92
Dizziness 57 33 18 87 91
Muscle fatigue 73 33 14 51 80
Muscle tremor 53 21 21 74 90
Sciatic pain 30 17 4 57 81
Chest pain 31 13 9 69 72
Legs cramps 39 16 19 89 90
Joint pain 67 34 13 60 80
Cold hands-feet 58 20 18 51 81
Heart problems 25 11 6 82 57
Urinary syst.disorders 29 15 5 78 75
Frequent infections 43 20 19 83 100
Discussion
For years, science has demonstrated that mercury found in the
body comes primarily from amalgam fillings.15
It is also widely understood that many of the metals used in dentistry are toxic
or hazardous.16
Innumerable scientific experiments on animals and humans have demonstrated that
mercury from amalgam is hazardous to cells and functions of organs. Specifically,
mercury affects the immune system;17
the kidneys;18
mouth and colon bacteria;19
the reproductive system;20
and the central nervous system.21
Many clinicians have demonstrated over the course of the past
century that removal of amalgam fillings and gold/porcelain fillings improves an
extensive array of symptoms, complaints and diseases which have been otherwise
unsuccessfully treated. Professor Fredrik Berglund's book which appeared in
1995, surveyed the literature on this subject and collected the case histories
of 150 patients whose diseases, symptoms or complaints were eliminated or
reduced after removal of amalgam and other metals.22
Metal-free dentistry is possible today
Dental use of metals is no longer necessary thanks to good
composites and especially to the new PCDMA-based, shock-absorbing and extremely
durable composites.23
24 25
Laminate fortified composites with characteristics very
similar to natural tooth material are now used for crowns and bridges.26
27 These materials are
tested for biocompatibility with the individual patient.
This study demonstrates the positive results of removing
amalgam fillings and other metals from patients who suffer from an extensive
array of symptoms which they have not otherwise been able to treat successfully.
Obviously, some participants may anticipate improvement, which in itself may
result in improvement. This placebo effect results in 20-25% improvement at best
and disappears gradually over time. Given that it generally takes 6 to 12 months
or longer for symptoms to be eliminated or reduced, in order to counteract this
effect, patients completed surveys one year after treatment, and in some cases,
again four years later.
Metal Deposits
Patients generally improve gradually as years pass after
amalgam removal. This correlates with the fact that large deposits are
continuously found in the tissues of the body and are slowly eliminated. An
active detoxification treatment could accelerate the improvement. The patients
with a strong reaction to amalgam metals did not recover as favorably as those
with mild reactions. Metal deposits in tissues and organs may be present for
years in different degrees in these two groups of patients.
Pyorrhoea
Periodontal deseases is very common. 42% of the participants
in this study had bleeding gums and 46% had tender teeth, before amalgam and
metal removal. It is commonly believed that bleeding gums and tender teeth are
the early symptoms of pyorrhoea and are caused by plaque and microorganisms on
teeth and in teeth sockets.
However, the results of this study indicate that metals and
specially amalgam metals are the actual cause.28
In this study, 88% of the incidence of bleeding gums was reduced or eliminated.
91% of the incidence of tender teeth was reduced or
eliminated.
Digestive Problems
Digestive problems were very common among participants. They
can be caused by many factors, but amalgam removal demonstrates a strong
positive effect on these problems. The mercury released from the amalgam
fillings combines with the saliva, forming extremely poisonous methyl-mercury in
the mouth, stomach and colon. The composition of digestive bacteria is changed
as a result, and mostly mercury-resistent bacteria survive. Thus, many bacteria
essential to healthy digestion are destroyed. A new study indicates that people
with amalgam fillings have many more strains of penicillin-resistant bacteria
than those without amalgam fillings.29
The results after amalgam removal are as follows:
74%
indicate reduced or eliminated symptoms of pressure and air in stomach (bloating);
60% indicate reduced or eliminated symptoms of acute
hunger pains;
76% indicate reduced or eliminated symptoms of poor
appetite;
90% indicate reduced or eliminated symptoms of diarrhea;
76% indicate reduced or eliminated symptoms of painful
colon cramps.
Central Nervous System
Problems with the central nervous system are also very common.
(See figures 4-6). Both recent and earlier studies demonstrate that mercury
escaping from amalgam fillings, especially as mercury vapor, can harm the
central nervous system. Alzheimer`s disease is a primary example of this.21
The results after amalgam removal are as follows:
85% indicate reduced or eliminated symptoms of headache;
81% indicate reduced or eliminated symptoms of migraine;
71% indicate reduced or eliminated symptoms of poor
concentration;
70% indicate reduced or eliminated symptoms of poor
memory;
88% indicate reduced or eliminated symptoms of irrational
fear;
80% indicate reduced or eliminated symptoms of irritability;
89% indicate reduced or eliminated symptoms of
dizziness;
79% indicate reduced or eliminated symptoms of muscle
tremors;
90% indicate reduced or eliminated symptoms of leg
cramps;
Immune System
The immune system is often debilitated by mercury.17
Symptoms frequently include fatigue and frequent infections. These symptoms are
significantly reduced or eliminated, as demonstrated by the following results:
71%
indicate reduced or eliminated symptoms of fatigue;
91% indicate reduced or eliminated symptoms of frequent
infections.
Kidney Function
Experiments with sheep and monkeys with implanted amalgam
fillings demonstrate reduced kidney function.30
25% of participants had urinary system disorders prior to
amalgam removal;
52% experienced reduced symptoms;
17% eliminated any complaints of urinary system disorders
after amalgam removal.
Conclusion.
Many symptoms commonly associated with mercury intoxication
can be related to harmful effects from metals used in dentistry. About 16,500
observations were gathered during the prolonged study of these 118 patients;
these data indicate that about 80% of the symptoms and complaints were
eliminated or reduced one to four years after removal of dental metals,
especially amalgam metals (mercury, silver, copper, tin and zinc) and proper
replacement with biocompatible plastic.
This study confirms other classic and scientific results.30
31 and suggests that
dentists should avoid the use of metals because of the reactions they clearly
cause in many patients.
The greatest positive reactions are shown by the group with
the mildest blood serum-globulin test reaction for the amalgam metals. This
suggests that the determining factor for the degree and rate of recovery is
dependent on the patient`s individual tolerance and degree of reaction to
certain metals.
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Tandlæge Henrik Lichtenberg et al.
Torvet 1A. 3400 Hillerød.
Denmark
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