Mercury Free and Mercury Safe Dentistry
Amalgam fillings have been recognised as a possible cause of a host of issues in our bodies, especially for individuals with metal or mercury sensitivities.
Amalgam fillings are widely used to repair cavities caused by tooth decay. Reliable and long-lasting, they have been used for many decades.
However, most amalgam fillings contain about 50 per cent mercury. So, if you have a silver dental filling, chances are, it is made with amalgam.
Even though the International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology has issued warnings about the dangers of mercury, most people are unaware of this health threat lurking in their mouths.
Mercury Safe Dentistry
Mercury is known to be released during the placement, replacement, and removal of dental mercury amalgam fillings. When old mercury fillings are drilled out, the mercury vapour diffuses through the air and the particulate will spread around the operatory room.
By being Mercury Safe, we aim to reduce the exposure of mercury to patient, dentist, dental assistant. IAOMT has outlined in their SMART programme to reduce the potential negative outcomes of mercury exposure to patients and dental professionals during the removal of mercury fillings.
The following are what we use during our mercury safe removal process.
- Drape to cover patient’s face, head and body
- Non-latex nitrile gloves will be used by the dentist and assistants
- Copious amount of water when using electric handpiece
- Electric handpiece instead of turbine handpiece to reduce spreading of mercury vapour into the surrounding.
- Oxygen
- Rubber Dam
- Suction under rubber dam
- Amalgam is sectioned and removed in as large a chunk as possible using a small carbide drill.
- High volume suction
- External suction system
- After the removal of mercury fillings, the amalgam fragments will be rinsed thoroughly and removed with high volume suction before the rubber dam is removed and replaced with a new rubber dam for the placement of the restoration(s).
- After the removal of the mercury filling, patient’s mouth will be flushed with copious amount of water before rinsing.
The dentist and the team assisting will be in protective gear with a respirator for personal protection as well.
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