Holistic/Alternative Treatments
Natural alternative to root canal treatments
Dr. Swidler has developed the first pulp exposure kit in the field of dentistry. It has safe all natural ingredients. Developed by his research with Japanese herbs and antioxidants, this procedure is utilized in areas of very deep tooth decay or nerve pulp exposure. This is a new and highly successful procedure never before available in the field of dentistry and can be used if the tooth has not died and is still responsive to anesthetic. Where previously these teeth were condemned to root canal or extraction, for over 11 years of clinical use we have been able to save (keep alive) over 90% of these teeth ! Remember, no where else in medicine do we keep a “dead part” in the body. While root canals may eliminate pain, they can potentially harbor bacteria & viruses which can continually circulate within the body. Currently this service is only available at Medicine Wheel Dental.
Safe Mercury (amalgam) removal
From the International Academy of Oral Medicine & Toxicology (IAOMT)
Is there a concern about the use of mercury in dentistry?
Many people do not realize the “silver” amalgam fillings are 50% mercury. A large filling may contain as much mercury as a thermometer. Mercury vaporizes easily at room temperature, and in this state, is odorless, colorless and tasteless. Inhaled mercury vapor is readily absorbed into the bloodstream. The World Health Organization has concluded that dental fillings contribute more mercury to a person’s body than all other sources of mercury combined. Mercury is a powerful poison. Published research demonstrates that mercury is more toxic than lead, cadmium or arsenic. No amount of exposure to mercury vapor can be considered harmless, especially considering its cumulative effect.
Is there an associated health risk?
Mercury is the most toxic, non-radioactive element on the earth. Most medical and scientific researchers have called for a ban on the use of mercury in all products. Amalgams have been banned from use in numerous countries already. However, until recently the potential harmful effects of mercury fillings have been ignored by the U.S. Government and media. Due to its poisonous nature, mercury can adversely affect the immune, urinary, cardiac, respiratory and digestive systems. Under laboratory conditions, mercury has produced brain cell deterioration identical to that seen in victims of Alzheimer’s disease.

Should I have my mercury fillings removed?
Replacing functional, clinically acceptable mercury “silver” fillings is a personal choice. We suggest you research the science involved to make an informed choice.
The IAOMT believes you should eliminate these fillings unless you are pregnant or lactating. Mercury vapor is continuously emitted from dental fillings and accumulates in the body over time. The damaging effects of this exposure may not manifest for years or even decades. Studies repeatedly demonstrate that even low levels of mercury cause measurable adverse health effects. Mercury in the body tissues of a fetus or infant correlates statistically with the number of dental amalgam fillings in the mother. Newborns may be at risk for learning disabilities because of mercury their mother absorbed during pregnancy. Mercury vapor crosses the blood brain barrier, the placental barrier, and passes through breast milk. Many physicians are testing their patients for mercury toxicity and referring them to biologic/holistic dentists.
Watch: How Mercury Causes Brain Neuron Damage

Is there a proper way to remove mercury fillings?
Our office reduces these risks by utilizing the following protocols:
- Patients wear a nasal hood & breathe oxygen during the procedure (essential when mercury fillings are removed or replaced).
- Oral vitamin C will be provided (pill & liquid form) or Vitamin C IV drip is available upon request. (Used for chelation of the mercury atoms in the bloodstream before they get deposited in the body tissues).
- High-speed suction, room ventilation and filtration are used to help in assuring mercury vapor is properly eliminated.
- We will utilize a cotton drop cloth technique, which Dr. Swidler developed to most effectively catch harmful debris often associated with mercury removal from contacting mouth tissues. Currently the rubber dam approach is still often used amongst many practitioners but we have found that once the dam is removed, metal debris is almost always found. The cotton drop cloth technique consists of numerous layers of cotton and paper products, functioning like a magnet for the harmful debris.
- High flow water and air flow (water cooled instruments)
- Dr. and assistant wear mercury vapor masks. We don’t mean to have anyone feel distant from our caring expressions but we take our job very seriously. Our occupational setting exposes us to hazardous wastes and mercury vapors when we remove your amalgams. Our masks, vitamin C levels, and air control minimize our risks to exposure.
- Prior to amalgam removal, we recommend a test for heavy metals, and to evaluate how your body is currently handling these toxins. Cooperation with your physician or complementary health care provider is helpful to develop the best personalized chelation/detoxification approach. Besides measuring the body’s heavy metal body burden, we want to ensure that the body is working efficiently to clear the heavy metals from other body tissues.
- Exclusive natural treatment for root canal prevention
- At Medicine Wheel Dental we utilize an Exclusive all natural treatment to avoid the need for root canals. Dr. Swidler developed and introduced this protocol to dentistry. With over 10 years of research, this highly effective approach has saved over 90% of teeth previously sent for root canal or extraction. This option is indicated only when there is still vital tissue in the tooth and anesthetic is effective.

Utilization of biocompatible Materials
- Medicine Wheel Dental uses materials that are most compatible with your physiology. Special tests can be completed on an individual basis as needed.