Dentist in Centreville, OH describes the importance of a safe mercury amalgam removal method

At Alex Bell Dental, patients in the area of Centreville, OH have access to many solutions for their smiles, including cosmetic and restorative treatments. When patients have silver amalgam fillings, they can work with a dentist who understand the importance of safe removal methods. These fillings can be unhealthy and can have a negative impact on the smile, so removing them carefully is essential for the health and wellbeing of everyone involved in the procedure.

What are silver amalgam fillings?

Over the years, many dentists have used silver amalgam fillings to repair cavities. However, in the recent years, studies consistently show that this material, made of approximately 50 percent mercury, can be harmful to patients. Mercury is not a safe material, and when in place, can result in toxicity. Instead, many dentists provide biocompatible and holistic dental care with mercury-free fillings made of composite resin. However, patients who have existing silver amalgam fillings may want to have them replaced in a safe and effective manner. Therefore, it is essential that these individuals visit a holistic dentist for safe mercury amalgam filling removal services.

How can silver amalgam fillings be removed safely?

Mercury is a material that releases potentially harmful vapor when heated. This heating can be done with friction from chewing or consuming hot food or beverages. To remove these fillings, it is essential that the dentist take great care in carefully removing the amalgam fillings without heating them. A dentist who provides safe removal of these fillings will want to follow certain protocols and safety regulations that have been put in place by organizations such as the International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology, also known as the IAOMT. They provide standards that ensure the safety of everyone in the room during mercury filling removals. Some safety steps may include:

• The use of gowns and covers for everyone in the room to protect against mercury vapors
• Face shields and hair coverings used by dental staff and patients
• An amalgam separator should be installed and utilized

• The room in which procedures are performed should have proper ventilation and a high-volume air filtration system to remove amalgam particles and mercury vapors from the air
• Patients can use a rinse with charcoal or chlorella prior to their treatment
• The patient should be covered entirely with a protective clothing barrier from the neck down
• Dental dams should be in place to seal off the mouth of the patient, and should be used in conjunction with a saliva ejector
• An oral aerosol vacuum should be used in place by the patient’s mouth during amalgam filling removal to mitigate exposure to mercury vapors and particles
• Amalgam fillings should be removed in large chunks for proper removal and to reduce mercury vapor exposure

Why should a patient choose alternatives to amalgam when fillings are required?

Once silver amalgam fillings are removed, it is important for patients to properly fill the area once again with a more biocompatible and safer material. Our team often recommends the use of composite resin fillings, which are not only more aesthetic, but they do not expand and contract in the same way silver amalgam fillings do. This means that bacteria cannot enter the tooth in this manner and put the smile at risk for treatments such as root canal therapy or extraction. We encourage patients to ask questions about their procedure and learn about the importance of mercury-free dentistry.

Interested in learning more about safe mercury amalgam filling removal methods?

Contact Dr. Daniel Cobb and the team at Alex Bell Dental in Centreville, OH to discuss solutions for improving the smile’s function and health. Call (937) 435 7311 today and visit the office at 900 East Alex Bell Road. We are here to help your family achieve a healthy, beautiful smile that will last a lifetime with general, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry solutions. We welcome new patients into our practice for comprehensive care, including the safe removal of mercury amalgam fillings.