Sunbury Dentist and Moonee Ponds Dentist offer Safe Amalgam Removal options
What is the danger ?
Dental amalgam is believed by some to be in a stable form in a filling, bound by a combination of other metals. However, mercury can be absorbed through skin, inhaled, or ingested. When a conventional dentist removes amalgam without precautions, the patient (and the dental team) are exposed to particle scatter, contaminated water spray, and mercury vapor.
Mercury emits toxic vapor from the friction of chewing, brushing, or having teeth cleaned. A dentist’s drill magnifies that risk significantly.
A beautiful alternative
Patients who need to have amalgam fillings removed, or choose to do so, are in good hands at Smile in Style. The practice follows strict protocols set forth by the IAOMT for safe removal of amalgam. Just a few examples of the precise steps in this process include:
- Cutting the amalgam filling into chunks.
- Keeping the filling cool with a cool water spray on the amalgam filling during the removal process .
- Use of a high-volume evacuator to extract mercury vapour from the air to maintain safe air quality for the patient, the staff and the environment.
- Providing the patient with oxygen to breath, instead of exposure to mercury vapour.
- Using a rubber dam to catch particulate matter and prevent accidental ingestion of the amalgam filling.
- Replacing the amalgam filling with a composite resin material that blends beautifully with the smile or for larger fillings they can be replaced using the CEREC machine, to create a ceramic restoration that is not only beautiful, it is also biocompatible, durable and longer lasting.
