Why Safe Amalgam Filling Removal is so specific in our Melbourne dental practice

The more science discovers about dental amalgam, the more individual patients are questioning the use of this material to repair tooth damage. Amalgam dental fillings may be referred to as “silver fillings,” but these restorations actually contain a mixture of metals that are bound together with mercury. Fifty percent of an amalgam filling is, in fact, mercury. Although amalgam fillings have been the standard of practice in general dentistry for over a century, there are many good reasons to avoid the use of this material.

Safe Amalgam Filling Removal from dentist in Melbourne

Patients of holistic-minded dentists are able to choose alternatives to amalgam dental fillings. Even more importantly than having choices for new fillings, patients also need to know they have choices for the removal of existing amalgam fillings. To date, mainstream dentistry frowns upon the removal of amalgam fillings unless the filling has fractured. There is good reason to avoid handling amalgam fillings. Without proper techniques, the removal process exposes patient, staff, and the environment to toxic mercury. Data exists showing a direct link between amalgam filling removal and subsequent illness in the treated patient.

Even in the face of significant risk, there are general dentists who remove amalgam fillings regularly, paying no attention to excessive exposure. In many cases, damaged amalgam fillings are removed and then replaced with more amalgam!

The problem with removing amalgam fillings is that, when warmed, mercury is released from the filling material in tiny particles and vapours. The standard removal process simply drills away amalgam until none remains. Clearly, millions of particles will be released in the immediate vicinity of the patient’s and the dental staff’s noses and mouths. Easily breathed in, mercury vapours will travel to the lungs and blood stream, where they can cause a number of unpleasant problems. Regardless of the material used to replace an amalgam filling, the standard removal process poses a real health risk.

Dr. Rose is one of a group of dentists who recognised the immediate and long term dangers of mercury exposure. In addition to avoiding the use of amalgam for tooth repair, our practice follows a strict protocol in order to achieve safe amalgam filling removal in our Melbourne area offices.

In the eyes of your holistic dentist, oral health is a critical component of general health and wellbeing, and the dental materials in your mouth are critical to your oral health. To experience the benefits of holistic dental care, contact Smile in Style in Moonee Ponds or Sunbury.

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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.
Dr. Terry Rose Dr. Sally Fairbairn Dr. Helen Luo Dr. Meenakshi Rajcoomar Dr. Darshan Brar Dr. Jasdeep Kaur

Dr. Terry Rose

Dr. Terry Rose completed his Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Dental Surgery from the University of Otago, New Zealand. He then moved to Australia and founded Smile in Style in 1990. With over 25 years of orthodontic experience, Dr. Rose has been a Progressive Orthodontic Seminar instructor. He is an Accredited Biological Dentist certified in the SMART protocol through the IAOMT and completed the LA&HA Master’s Program in Laser Dentistry. In 2021, he was named an Advanced Instructor in dental lasers, and he continues to train dentists in laser and CEREC technology.

Safe Amalgam Filling Removal from dentist in Melbourne

Dr. Sally Fairbairn

Dr. Sally Fairbairn completed her Bachelor of Science before earning her Bachelor of Oral Health in Dentistry from Griffith University in 2011. She also earned a Graduate Diploma in Dentistry. Certified in Safe Mercury Amalgam Removal Technique (SMART) by the IAOMT, she is expanding her expertise by pursuing accreditation as a Biological Dentist. Dr. Sally’s proficiency in biological dentistry and dedication to ongoing education have established her as a trusted dentist.

Dr. Helen Luo

Dr. Helen Luo graduated with a Bachelor of Dental Surgery from the University of Otago, where she was recognised with a prize in Paediatric Dentistry. Since joining Smile In Style in 1998, she has gained extensive experience using CEREC for inlays, onlays, and crowns, as well as using the Dental Laser for both children and adults. Dr. Luo is also certified in the SMART technique by the IAOMT and offers advanced teeth whitening with the Kör system. She enjoys treating children as well as adults in the Sunbury surgery.

Dr. Meenakshi Rajcoomar

Dr. Meenakshi Rajcoomar graduated from the University of Melbourne and completed a residency in functional breathing and craniofacial pain. She holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Orthodontics from Progressive Orthodontic Seminars and is a Certified Clear Aligner Practitioner. A member of the IAOMT, Dr. Rajcoomar is SMART certified and completed an oral surgery course at the University of Melbourne. Her broad expertise and commitment to continuing education make her a well-rounded dental professional.

Dr. Darshan Brar

Dr. Darshan Brar earned her Bachelor of Dental Surgery in India in 2001 and obtained her Australian Dental Council Certificate in 2010. She is trained in Safe Amalgam Removal using the SMART Technique. She has an interest in Endodontics and same day inlays/onlays and crowns using CEREC. Dr. Brar’s commitment to continuing education ensures she stays current with the latest advancements in dental care, providing her patients with high-quality, modern treatment options.

Dr. Jasdeep Kaur

Dr. Jasdeep Kaur is an experienced general dentist who earned her Bachelor of Dentistry in India in 2012 and completed the Australian Dental Council Exam in 2017. She has experience working in regional Victoria with Community Health and the Royal Flying Doctor Service. Dr. Kaur is skilled in the SMART technique for Safe Mercury Amalgam Removal and offers a range of cosmetic treatments, including full mouth restorations, teeth whitening, crowns, and bridges. She embraces modern technology and is committed to ongoing education to continue providing her patients with the highest level of care.