November 30th, 2008 Dr. Levy
Historic Legislation – Informed Consent for Dental Patients Undergoing Amalgam Restorations
Mercury is one of the most dangerous substances and toxins known to man. The Norwegian government, having realized these dangers, has banned the use of mercury in all products produced, exported or imported. Erik Solheim, the Norwegian Minister of Environmental and International Development, suspended the use of mercury in dental filling materials, namely amalgam, instruments as well as other products. As of January 1 2008 Sweden announced a similar ban as well as Denmark taking effect in April of 2008. Although the United States has not taken a leadership position on this issue, which is unfortunate, several states have taken it upon themselves to enact Informed Consent Legislation. States that have taken a step forward include Maine, California, Connecticut, North Carolina and Vermont.
Will Ohio or Gahanna enact legistlation that requires informed consent when they place this toxic material into your teeth?
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November 30th, 2008 Dr. Levy
Examining the Risk of Lead in Dental Restorations.
Recently, the concern of lead content in toys manufactured in China has caused an increase in the awareness of lead and its dangers. These are toys that are children play with and use daily, putting them in the mouths as all kids do. While our concern of the lead content in our children’s toys has risen, what about concern for the lead used in dental restorations?
Early in 2008, Columbus Ohio’s Channel 10 News reported on a dental patient becoming ill after a new bridge had been placed in her mouth.
http://www.wbns10tv.com/live/content/teninvestigates/stories/2008/03/31/lead_lewis.html?sid=102
http://www.wbns10tv.com/live/content/teninvestigates/stories/2008/11/19/story_lead_dental.htm
http://www.10tv.com/live/content/teninvestigates/stories/2008/05/06/lead_washington.html?sid=102
http://www.columbusdispatch.com/live/content/health/stories/2008/02/28/DentalLead.ART_ART_02-28-08_A1_GJ9FVGD.html?sid=101
Claims were substantiated by the Columbus Dispatch in February of 2008. News channel 10 followed the elderly woman after she had fallen ill after receiving some dental work. Her medical doctor could make no relation for her sickness to anything but the new bridge that had been placed in her mouth. After finding that the bridge was made in China, the doctor instructed her dentist top remove the bridge to have it tested. The results returned and the bridge was found to have toxic levels of lead. The problem is that patients seeking lower costs in dental care may be receiving potentially toxic products placed in them without knowing it.
PPO and HMO dentists have to save money to be part of the preferred provider network and this leads them to outsource materials from China; there really is no other reason to do so. Some patients wantsto save money by finding the least expensive crown or bridge “in network,” which is understandable. Beware, if you do not know your dentist you may be getting inferior or toxic materials place within your body. Meet with your dentist before hand and tour his or her practice. This will give you a good idea of how the practice is run. It will also show you how current the technology used actually is. We use the latest technology and the highest quality materials at my office, StoneRidge Dental. As a matter of fact, I usually make a weekly visit to the dental laboratory here in the Columbus area to monitor my patients’ cases.
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November 30th, 2008 Dr. Levy
Evaluating the Link between Mouth and Body and General Health.
Our mouths indicate so much about our health, from basic hygiene to links between diseases and gum health. As the eyes are known as the gateways to our souls, so too could our mouths be the windows to our bodies. Recent studies have shown that there are strong links between the health of your gums and mouth in general to Diabetes, Stroke and even Heart Disease. Low birth weight has also been connected to poor mouth health. Many people don’t consider an illness as the cause of their persistent gum or tooth issues, OR VISA VERSA!.
At my office, (StoneRidge Dental), http://www.marklevydds.com I not only consider your teeth and gum health but your health in general. Our staff is highly trained and skilled in examining gum health and work with me to determine if health risks related to a patient’s gums and teeth exist. If such a concern is raised through an exam the patient’s primary physician is notified immediately. Many people are not closely monitored and their health could be improved by a simple change in medication or diet. There are some patients who simply forget to take their medication, and a pre-exam screening can be a friendly reminder. We consider our patient’s overall health is our job, not just their teeth.
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November 30th, 2008 Dr. Levy
Ban of Amalgam in Norway – from the desk of Dr. Mark Levy, Gahanna Ohio.
As the debate over whether or not amalgam is safe to use rages on in the United States, Norway has decided to ban the use of mercury in production, importing and exporting. Despite the reports from the EU stating that it poses no risk to humans.
This ban encompasses amalgam fillings, thermometers and any other product that contains mercury. Norway’s minister of the environment, Erik Solheim, stated that the ban was made to protect the environment. “Mercury is one of the most dangerous environmental toxins,” he says. “Satisfactory alternatives to mercury in products are available, and it is therefore fitting to introduce a ban.” Sweden has also banned the use of mercury in a similar manner.
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