Safe Mercury Removal

Ever wondered why there are those who opt to take out their mercury fillings, metal crowns or bridges? We feel that there is no place for amalgam fillings in this world due to its neurotoxicity. Should you decide to have yours removed then rest assured that this is something our practice does well. We have gone to great lengths to keep our patients safe when undergoing this procedure.

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First, What Are Amalgam Mercury Fillings?

Safe Mercury Removal : *the following is taken from the FDA website (click here for the original link)
Picture of a dental amagam embedded in a tooth Dental amalgam is a dental filling material used to fill cavities caused by tooth decay. It has been used for more than 150 years in hundreds of millions of patients around the world.

Dental amalgam is a mixture of metals, consisting of liquid (elemental) mercury and a powdered alloy composed of silver, tin, and copper. Approximately 50% of dental amalgam is elemental mercury by weight. The chemical properties of elemental mercury allow it to react with and bind together the silver/copper/tin alloy particles to form an amalgam.

Dental amalgam fillings are also known as “silver fillings” because of their silver-like appearance. Despite the name, “silver fillings” do contain elemental mercury.

Image of a capsule containing liquid mercury and amalgam putty. When placing dental amalgam, the dentist first drills the tooth to remove the decay and then shapes the tooth cavity for placement of the amalgam filling. Next, under appropriate safety conditions, the dentist mixes the powdered alloy with the liquid mercury to form an amalgam putty. (These components are provided to the dentist in a capsule as shown in the graphic.) This softened amalgam putty is placed and shaped in the prepared cavity, where it rapidly hardens into a solid filling.

The Controversy

“If amalgam fillings are safe, then why is it considered hazardous before it is placed in the mouth and after it is removed?” – Dr. Marvin

Why You Need To Remove Mercury Fillings Safely

Mercury amalgam fillings are more than 50% elemental mercury.

Mercury fillings give off mercury vapor that enters the body during every inhalation, more so when heated.

Mercury vapor is difficult to detect because it cannot be seen, has no odor and has no taste.

Mercury has a high affinity to human tissues including in the kidneys, stomach and brain.

Without additional precautions, a highly susceptible patient can be increasingly ill when amalgams are being removed.

TECHNOLOGY AND PRODUCTS OUR OFFICE USES TO MAKE MERCURY REMOVALS SAFE

1. Supplemental Oxygen during the whole removal of mercury or metal crown

2. A Mercury ionizer that captures mercury vapor ions during the drilling out process

3. High-speed high-volume evacuation systems close to the drilling site

4. A high-quality seal with a latex-free rubber dam to keep debris from entering the oral cavity

5. A high-torque, low speed drill and new drill bit to remove the amalgam filling without adding heat or friction

6. An amalgam separator to collect scrap mercury fillings