A Centerville dentist offers safe removal of amalgam fillings

Over the years, there has been a tremendous amount of research about the effects of mercury on the body, and because of this, many patients have become concerned about the negative effects of their old amalgam fillings. Amalgam fillings are made of a mixture of metals and can contain up to 50% mercury. Mercury is widely considered one of the most toxic substances on earth – so it stands to reason that individuals may be on the lookout for safer alternatives. At Alex Bell Dental in Centerville, we offer a procedure for the safe removal of amalgam fillings.

The problem with mercury

Amalgam fillings have been around for decades because they are relatively cheap and can last a long time. Unfortunately, this choice has a negative impact on patients’ wellness. Mercury is a major health concern with potentially serious effects on the nervous system. Mercury can play a role in health conditions such as dementia, respiratory disease, vision changes, digestive issues, kidney problems, and chronic migraines.

Safe removal of amalgam fillings

Our team at Alex Bell Dental in Centerville is here to help with the safe removal of amalgam fillings. Because of the toxicity of mercury, its essential to perform this procedure in a way that protects the patients and the dental team from vapors and materials that are released during the removal process.

When removing amalgam fillings, we follow a strict series of guidelines based on recommendations from the International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology. Among these guidelines are:

• Ensuring patients understand the risks and all the steps involved in the procedure
• Use of a rubber dam to isolate the tooth being treated
• Providing patients with an alternative oxygen source for clean air during the removal
• Keeping the amalgam cool during the removal process and cutting it in large chunks to minimize the release of vapors
• Use of a specialized suction system to eliminate mercury vapors during removal
• Properly disposal of the mercury to ensure there is no exposure to the environment

A safe alternative

Once the amalgam filling is removed, we will need to replace it with another type of filling to restore the tooth. At Alex Bell Dental, we use composite resin fillings, which are a safe, biocompatible alternative to amalgam. Composite resin fillings are tooth-colored, which makes them safe and natural-looking. No more silver in your smile! Now, no one will notice that you have a filling.

Want to learn more? Call us today

At Alex Bell Dental, our top priority is providing dental care that protects our patients’ overall health and wellness. If you are concerned that your old amalgam fillings may be negatively affecting your health, please call us today. We are happy to answer any questions you may have about safe amalgam removal and walk you through the process so that you feel comfortable moving forward. Dr. Cobb has decades of experience and completes at least 100 hours of continuing education each year to ensure he delivers top-notch care. To book your appointment, give us a call at (937) 435 7311.