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Natural Awakenings South Central Pennsylvania

Mercury-Free Dentistry : Protecting People and Planet Earth

Jun 02, 2015 11:08PM ● By Gisele Siebold

Dr. Owen Allison

The family dentistry practice of Dr. Owen Allison, Susquehanna Dental Arts, is the only dental practice in Lancaster and York counties that offers the safe removal of mercury fillings. Motivated by concern for the well-being of his patients and staff, Allison used his interest in holistic health care to establish a toxin-free office.

Mercury is the most toxic, nonradioactive element on earth. Silver amalgam fillings are at least 50 percent elemental mercury, with a large filling containing as much mercury as a thermometer. According to the International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology (IAOMT), mercury vapor is constantly emitted from dental fillings, accumulating in the body over time. Studies continually demonstrate that even low levels of mercury cause measurable adverse health effects to immune, respiratory, cardiac, digestive and urinary systems.

However, the damaging effects of mercury exposure may not manifest for years or even decades. Research shows that the number of amalgam fillings in the teeth of an expectant mother is significantly associated with mercury in the tissues of the fetus or infant. Furthermore, newborns may be at risk for learning disabilities because of mercury their mothers absorbed during pregnancy through air, water and food sources.

Allison has trained extensively in energy medicine with the Central Pennsylvania Institute of Healing Therapies. Accreditation from the IAOMT—the leading coalition of mercury-free dentists worldwide—provided him with guidelines for the safe removal of mercury.

State-of-the-art machines filter mercury from the air during the removal of amalgam fillings. An environmentally friendly mercury separator is used on the central suction line to recycle used mercury and protect the community’s water table from mercury waste. The replacement, tooth-colored composite and porcelain restorations are strong, durable and 100 percent mercury-free. Material compatibility test kits are available to patients upon request.

Consultations outline comprehensive services and available options. For example, if a patient wants to have several mercury fillings removed, the fillings do not have to be removed all at once. Information is provided and the patient makes decisions to schedule the removal process.

Patients that had mercury fillings removed and took steps to detoxify their bodies have shared with Allison that systemic problems within their bodies were relieved. Testimonials such as these inspire Allison and his staff to continue promoting the awareness of mercury-free dentistry. He relates, “We are committed to restoring dentistry to its original mission—bettering the health and well-being of our patients.”

 Location: 100 S. 18th St., Columbia. For more information, call 717- 684-3943 or 717-285-7033 or visit SusquehannaDentalArts.com.

Gisele Siebold is a contributing writer to Natural Awakenings magazine. Connect at [email protected].