The Importance of Mercury Removal in Lake Oswego, OR

Safe Mercury Removal

Watch this video to learn more about Toxic Fillings

Mercury Amalgam Fillings: Safe Removal Protocol

There are 11 procedures that most mercury safe dentists use to minimize mercury exposure to the patient, the dental staff, and the environment during amalgam filling removal. They are divided into four categories:

  • minimizing the amount of mercury that could be released from the filling
  • intercepting the mercury that escapes the filling before the patient breathes it in
  • filtering the office air

1. Cooling the Fillings


2. Chunking Amalgams

Mercury safe dentists use a removal process called “chunking” in which they use a special drill bit to section the filling into large chunks. These chunks can then be easily removed by a hand instrument or suction, which reduces drilling time and therefore the amount of mercury vapor released.

3. Using High-Volume Evacuation

Mercury safe dentists use a powerful suctionlvacuum system. This important piece of equipment minimizes your exposure to mercury vapor because in effect it intercepts the vapor before you can breathe it in. The tip of the suction/vacuum hose will be placed as close to the filling as possible during the entire removal process. This procedure captures most of the mercuryvapor and particles released as the filling is removed.

4. Providing an Alternative Source ofAir

All mercury safe dentists adhere to the first three protocols, but not always this fourth one-giving you an alternative source of air to breathe. Some feel that as long as the first three procedures are strictly followed, this isn’t necessary. But if any one of the first three procedures isn’t followed, you should request an alternative source of air during the entire removal process. If your mercury safe dentist doesn’t provide one, be sure to ask him or her if they’re using a highvolume evacuation system and if the other protective methods listed above are being used. However, if you are in the high risk category, especially if you are pregnant or nursing, I would insist on an alternative source of air. An alternative source of air is provided by a nasal hood, which covers your nose. Through this hood you breathe either compressed air or oxygen from a tank. I don’t believe an alternative source of air is necessary after the fillings have been removed. You should always concentrate on breathing through your nostrils and avoid breathing through your mouth while your mercury fillings are being removed whether you are provided with an alternative source of air or not.

5. Using a Rubber Dam

The rubber dam was designed to isolate the tooth or teeth being worked on, making it easier for the dentist to see and protect the toothlteeth from bacteria, moisture, and the tongue. The rubber dam is made from either latex rubber or silicone for those allergic to latex. It is very thin and flexible, comes in various colors, and can range in size from 5 x 5 inch to 6 x 6 inch squares. Until recently, dentists believed that the rubber dam would protect the patient from inhaling mercuryvapor through the mouth. It’s now known that mercuryvapor can readily pass through a rubber dam made from latex, the most common rubber dam material. (Silicone is more resistant to mercury vapor.) A large percentage of patients believe that the rubber dam offers the greatest protection from mercuryvapor and insist that it be used. But because the rubber dam doesn’t actually protect you from inhaling mercuryvapor, it isn’t absolutely necessary for the safe removal of amalgam fillings. Although the rubber dam
offers little protection against mercury vapor, it does make it easier to evacuate the filling material and prevent amalgam particles from being swallowed. Amalgam particles can’t be absorbed into the body, but it’s always wise to avoid swallowing any dental material. More and more dentists are now using a dental device called the Isolite System that illuminates and isolates the tooth and provides a constant source of suction close to the amalgam. It’s often used in place of the rubber dam, and I believe it’s more effective at protecting the patient from mercuryvapor and amalgam particles. As a rule of thumb, when it comes to choosing between the rubber dam and any alternative, I recommend trusting your mercury safe dentist to decide when and which one is or isn’t necessary-but if in doubt, ask for an explanation.

6. Cleaning Up Immediately

Once the removal process is completed, the dentist and assistant should remove and dispose of their gloves and the rubber dam (if used) and thoroughly rinse and vacuum your entire mouth for at least 10 seconds. This process helps remove amalgam particles and residual mercury captured by the saliva. You should make every effort not to swallow during the short rinsing procedure. When this is finished, take a small amount of water and gargle as far back into your throat as possible. Once you’ve gargled, don’t swallow this watery residue! It should be evacuated by the dental assistant, or spit into a cup. In addition, when the removal procedure is finished, the dentist or dental assistant should remove and dispose of your protective covering and clean your face and neck. All mercury safe dentists should routinely do this, but remind the assistant if she or he forgets. After all, you don’t want to take any mercury home with you.

7. Using Additional Air Purification

Some mercury safe dentists use an additional air filtering system that’s placed as close to the patient’s mouth as is practical. The more popular ones resemble an elephant’s trunk and have an opening about 4 inches in diameter. This filter is helpful, but there are other mercury safe dentists who believe that the patient can be adequately protected without such a system. More and more mercury safe dentists are using this type of office purification system, and while it’s a positive addition to the basic removal protocol, I believe this system is more effective at protecting the dentist and assistant than the patient.

8. Filtering Air in the Dental Operatory

Many mercury safe dental offices filter the office air because they work in it all day and it’s to their benefit to do so. Thus, doing this is more important for the dentist and staff than it is for you. Although mercury safe offices don’t put in amalgam fillings, they certainly remove them. You should be encouraged by the fact that mercury safe dentists also want to take the necessary precautions to protect themselves and their entire staff from excessive exposure to mercury.

9. Using Activated Charcoal

Although definitive studies haven’t been done, there is some evidence that shows that activated charcoal taken 10-15 minutes before amalgam removal can capture swallowed elemental mercury and mercury vapor, allowing it to be harmlessly passed out of the intestine via the feces. I consider this to be optional, as only 0.01percent of swallowed elemental mercury is absorbed through the intestine. But it can’t hurt to add it, especially if you are in the high mercury risk category.

l0. Vitamin C Infusions


11. Supplements

I recommend that everyone start a mercury detoxification program before the fillings are removed.