If you have a filling, you probably didn’t think twice about your dentists’ recommendation. After all, he/she is the expert and saw a 
problem that needed treatment. There’s even good reason to think that your filling saved you from serious dental problems. However, there is another danger that lurks within these implants, one that you may be all too familiar with. Mercury. For years, manufacturers of dental fillings have used mercury amalgam and the use of this heavy metal has led millions to believe that they are cause of many illnesses. If you have sustained symptoms that indicate mercury poisoning, you may wonder what you can do about it.
Depending on the severity of your illness, it’s worth your while to speak with a personal injury lawyer in Hamilton to see what options lay in front of you. There is no reason to assume that you have to live with your condition without any assistance. With legal intervention, you can be sure to reach some form of closure and receive the resources needed to cope with your health challenges.
Is it a Conspiracy
Conspiracy theories abound when it comes to the topic of mercury fillings. As with all debates, there are two sides, pitted against each other, arguing both for and against the use of amalgam. The side that argues against claims that use of mercury in dental implants is a deliberate. The side that argues for amalgam, the manufacturers and dentists, claim that there is no evidence to support such theories. It certainly sounds like a “he say, she say” proposition. The controversy is one that has raged on for decades, spawning numerous studies, reports, and lawsuits. In fact, it’s not uncommon for a personal injury lawyer to deal with claims involving mercury poisoning on a somewhat frequent basis. With all of this commotion, the question of who’s right still remains. Unfortunately, the answer sits in a dreaded, grey area.
What We Do Know About Mercury
Mercury is a silvery, heavy metal with the symbol Hg and an atomic number of 80. It is a poor conductor heat but is a strong conductor of electricity. Manufacturers of many industries add the substance to their products due to it’s versatility for industrial purposes. It’s no surprise then, that mercury exists in thermometers, barometers, fluorescent lamps and yes, mercury fillings. Even though it is a naturally occurring substance, excess exposure can lead to serious health problems if left unattended to.
High amounts of mercury in the body depletes the body of selenium, and leads to the body’s inability to stave oxidization damage. The result of this process is brain cell dysfunction which can lead to adverse effects. Many victims of this poisoning acquire illness by inhaling mercury vapours or through cutaneous (skin) contact. A person can also experience poisoning by ingesting mercury, such as what occurred in post-industrial Japan and Minimata Disease (acquired by eating fish tainted with mercury).
The Symptoms of Mercury Poisoning
You may exhibit a few or many symptoms of mercury poisoning. In some cases, you may not realize that some of ailments are linked together. However, it’s important to note that the substance can affect various organs and tissues in the body, leading to numerous symptoms.
Neurological
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Anxiety
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Irritability
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Manic depression & major depression
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Poor coordination
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Emotional instability
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Withdrawal
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Memory Loss
Oral Cavity & Gastrointestinal
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Persistent metallic taste
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Excess salivation
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Stomatitis (sores in the mouth)
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Bleeding gums
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Loosening teeth
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Abdominal cramps
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Chronic diarrhea/constipation
Cardiovascular
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Abnormal heart rhythm
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Unexplained high or low blood pressure
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Unexplained high cholesterol
In addition to these symptoms, doctors associate mercury contamination with diseases such as multiple sclerosis, arthritis, and even some forms of cancer. If you are experiencing these symptoms and have dental fillings, it’s essential for you to speak with your physician to determine if you have been poisoned.
Does a Positive Confirmation Mean Legal Compensation?
If tests reveal that you have excess levels of mercury, what should you do? Of course, your focus should be complying with medical specialists regarding a treatment plan to help you recover from your symptoms. But there’s still a question about what the law can accomplish, if anything. Take to heart that a personal injury lawyer can help you find legal compensation if there’s strong evidence to support that a filling caused your ailments. It will take some digging on your part to find proof that you are a victim of dental toxicity.
A review of your past health might be tricky yet essential if medical malpractice lawyers are to figure out if a filling has led to illness. The trouble with mercury-related illness, is the fact that symptoms may take years to feel the effects. However, a rapid or consistent decline in health after a filling may indicate that you have been poisoned. Other products such as batteries and mascara may contain traces of mercury, so your use of these products is another thing to consider. As you can see, it’s tricky to peg mercury poisoning as a consequence of dental amalgam. This heavy metal exists in many products, and tracing the source of your exposure is difficult.
That doesn’t mean you should avoid seeking legal compensation altogether. If you tested positive for high mercury levels, a medical professional’s questioning may reveal another source that could be responsible for your illness. Depending on the industry, there could be zero-tolerance policies that prohibit the use of mercury altogether. A personal injury lawyer could help you find compensation in these instances, since you were unknowingly subjected to the substance.
Self-Care During the Legal Process
If you decide to pursue legal action, make sure to put emphasis on your health. Mercury has powerful neurotoxic effects and you need to do all you can to keep it from causing further damage. Try to avoid ALL sources of mercury to the best of your ability. Make sure to follow the medical advice given by your family physician and specialists working with you to make a recovery. The prognosis of mercury poisoning is generally positive if the exposure is low and if treatment is prompt. With the help of a personal injury lawyer in Hamilton, you can most likely find some form of assistance whether a dental filling or some other product has made you sick.