REMOVING AMALGAM FILLINGS SAFELY.
A precaution we take when removing amalgam fillings completely for a patient who potentially is suffering with 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. This consists of a course of tablets including vitamin C, antioxidants, anti inflammatory and antifungal remedies and a specific chelating agent which binds with the mercury to enable its removal from the body by normal excretion. It is also necessary to drink 2 litres of filtered water per day.
Certain foods need to be avoided during detox but don't worry - you won't be on a diet of starvation and it is only for a short time.
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 if 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.
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