Mercury Filling Removal: A Complete Guide

Like so many other people, you may still have mercury amalgam fillings in your mouth. This might make you wonder: Should I get a mercury filling removal? Although the answer will depend a lot on your particular needs and circumstances, there are some basic things you should know.

Mercury is considered toxic to our health. Despite the fact that research studies have shown that mercury levels from amalgam fillings are not the direct cause of illnesses, concerns have grown steadily over the past years. In 1991 the American Dental Association carried out a survey to evaluate people’s concerns about mercury input in their bodies.

Today, if you asked anyone whether they would prefer to have their mercury fillings removed, they would certainly say, “Yes!”  And this need for a mercury removal grows stronger when we read, for example, that the number of silver amalgams in our mouth is directly linked to mercury levels in our body.  Research studies have also shown that mercury levels in our blood and urine decrease after a mercury filling removal.

What Are the Potential Risks of Mercury?

Mercury is a chemical element present in water sources, in the air and in many of the foods we eat (especially seafood). It is the long-term contact with mercury that makes it extremely dangerous. Too much contact with this metal may be harmful to your health and lead to symptoms such as anxiety, bad temper, memory loss, headaches, and weakness.

In the field of dentistry, silver fillings (a mixture of copper, silver, tin and about 50% mercury) have been widely used. They are strong and low cost. However,  with advancement in technology and materials, today the tendency to avoid metal fillings has grown (it is now also avoided in pregnant women and children under 6).

For a biological dentist, for example, it is much more convenient to work with more natural and aesthetic materials, such as tooth-colored composite resin. Holistic dentists prefer to work with non-toxic and more biocompatible materials.

So Should I Get a Mercury Filling Removal?

Again, it all depends on your needs and wants. If your metal fillings are worn, cracked, or if there is severe decay beneath the metal filling, then you should definitely get them removed.

If your old fillings are fine, but you want to avoid the effects of mercury on your health, then you should get a mercury filling removal. Mercury amalgams release some amount of mercury in the form of vapors. This happens especially during brushing, chewing, grinding or drinking hot liquids, and in placement or removal procedures.

So if you decide to have your mercury fillings out, make sure you contact the right dental office. We’ve heard testimonials of people who came out with a burned mouth because they visited the wrong dental office.

It’s important to know that some dentists specialize in safe amalgam removal. They are trained to provide you with the safest treatment possible.

Mercury-Free Dentist and Safe Amalgam Removal

The International Academy of Oral Medicine and Technology (IAOMT) establishes a series of recommendations for a completely safe amalgam removal.

Mercury-safe dentists require specific training to follow these measures, and the use of state-of-the-art technology. These protocol recommendations are known as Safe Mercury Amalgam Removal Technique (SMART).

What Is the Safe Amalgam Removal Technique (SMART)?

A mercury filling removal requires very specific safety measures. As mercury vapors are released at higher rates during placement or removal procedures, the steps the IAOMT establishes are very specific and strict.

For complete protection and careful handling during the procedure, the DENTAL ROOM must:

• Have an amalgam separator to collect mercury waste
• Ensure adequate filtration
• Have good  ventilation
• Have high water irrigation and suction

During the whole process, DENTISTS and the dental staff must:

• Wear masks during the whole process, including masks which provide oxygen
• Wear nitrile gloves, gowns, and protective garment

To minimize mercury exposure, the PATIENT must:

• Wear safety glasses for eye protection
• Wear a full body, head, face and neck protector
• Get charcoal and chlorella to rinse before and after the procedure
• Wear a nasal mask for oxygen supply
• Wear a dental nitrile dam (and a saliva ejector, properly placed)

Some dentists even recommend a two-week protocol with vitamins before the procedure.

By the end of the process,  your dentist must handle everything with extreme care. Cleaning the rooms and disposing of elements that were in contact with mercury are essential steps to finish the procedure safely.

So the Main Takeaway is…

If you decide to have a mercury filling removal, make sure you opt for the right dental office.  Pick a well-trained professional that performs the amalgam filling removal under safety measures. After all, what you want is to minimize the risk of metal toxicity in your body.