Mercury Safe Dentistry

It is easy to assume that leaving amalgam fillings out of a dental practice is sufficient for health and safety. There is another aspect to consider, however, one that we have not forgotten. Smile in Style is not considered simply a holistic dental practice that is mercury free, meaning we do not place amalgam fillings. We have gone one step further to make our practice mercury safe.

What does it mean to be a mercury safe dentist?

Mercury Free Tooth
We understand that amalgam restorations have the potential to greatly affect not only oral health but systemic health as well. We recognize that the mercury contained in amalgam restorations releases toxic fumes at an accelerated rate when they are heated, either with food or beverage, or upon removal with a dental drill. We believe that the tiny grindings produced during the removal process are harmful and should not come into contact with the cheeks, gums, or other soft tissues in the mouth, and that measures to prevent this should be taken. We understand the way mercury travels, and know that vapours from this material can linger in the air, posing a health risk for patients as well as our dental team. Vapours need to be removed from the air. We see the impact of mercury on the environment and take measures to filter mercury from the water that leaves our clinic through sewer lines to minimize the environmental impact of the removal of mercury restorations. Currently, dentistry is the primary, non-regulated source of environmental mercury. We adhere to the guidelines set forth by the International Academy of Oral and Medical Toxicology (IAOMT) for the safe removal of amalgam restorations.

Practicing holistic dentistry is about health and quality of life for our patients and staff. We take measures to sustain oral and general health through use of advanced techniques and materials.

Smile in Style is your dental practice for holistic dental care. Contact us for your appointment today.

Smile In Style Dental office near Moonee Ponds and Sunbury

Why Choose Smile In Style
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Throughout our site, you will find valuable information about our services that will help you get to know us better. It is our mission to create beautiful white healthy smiles using the latest technologies. Our experienced Dentists and staff aim for lifelong relationships with our patients, providing relevant dental education and continual care throughout life. Here, you can learn more about the various dental conditions that may develop and the ways in which we treat them.
Some of the services you can expect to find at Smile in Style include: Our goal is to work together with you to achieve your healthiest, most attractive smile, whilst ensuring your comfort and satisfaction.

Safe Amalgam Removal Protocol

  • Chlorella drink prior is given prior to treatment and a mouth rinse post-treatment. Chlorella can help bind and prevent mercury absorption.
  • Physical protective barriers - Masks, protective coverings, eyewear, in-mouth non-latex dental dams, and other steps are taken to prevent physical contact with mercury for the patient and staff.
  • Oral evacuation - Generous amounts of water are used to continuously rinse particulate matter from the mouth while suctioning it away. Combined with protective dental dams, this prevents patients from swallowing dental amalgam particles during treatment. Additionally, the rinsing helps lower the temperature of the filling, reducing the amount of mercury vapour released.
  • External air - A continuous supply of non-contaminated air or oxygen is delivered via a mask or similar apparatus, preventing inhalation of mercury vapour or particles.
  • "Chunk it out" method - Rather than using a drill to grind the filling down, it is carefully removed in the largest possible pieces, minimising friction, vaporisation.
  • High Volume Evacuation Suction is used by the dental assistant to remove amalgam particles in the mouth.
  • High Volume Air suction and Air Purifiers are used in the clinical room that is able to remove mercury vapour from the room.
  • Amalgam separator use - This device collects mercury-contaminated waste before it can enter the sewage system, allowing us to dispose of it safely.