Why Mercury Free? cont.

We at the practice to do not wish to pressure patients into a rush to have all amalgam restorations removed but to point out that we feel that metal fillings are not the safe material they have been thought to be.

All replacement fillings at this practice are done using white composite material.

Removing amalgam fillings safely

One precaution we must take when removing amalgam fillings completely for a patient because of mercury toxicity is not to overload them. As mercury is released when the old filling is removed it is important to prophylactically reduce the current mercury level in the body before starting the treatment. This is achieved by a detoxification programme for a minimum of two weeks prior to the start of the treatment and continuing through and after the treatment for a short while. It is also important to use a rubber dam during the removal of the amalgam filling to create a barrier to minimise mercury vapour absorption, released when cutting out the old amalgam and prevent any amalgam particles from being swallowed. Another major advantage of the rubber dam is that it provides a completely dry field for the composite to be bonded into the tooth and to secure a well-sealed long-term restoration.

Additional precautions include:

1. Use of copious water supply during amalgam removal to reduce heat.
2. Use of high-pressure suction to evacuate vapour and debris.
3. Copious lavage of site to clean away small particles of debris.

Symptoms.

Symptoms attributable to mercury toxicity can be found here.

Testing for Mercury Levels

You may wish to seek testing for mercury levels, which may be attributable to any health related problems you are suffering. We can refer you on to practitioners who can do this.

Return to Page 1
See a list of Symptoms here.