Is it safe to remove dental amalgam?
Should Dental Amalgam Fillings Be Removed? If your filling is in good condition and your dentist or health care professional says there is no decay beneath the filling, removal of your amalgam filling is not recommended.
What is the smart protocol for amalgam removal?
Wearing protective gowns for the dentist, staff and patient, as well as nitrile gloves and proper head/hair coverings. Using filtration and ventilation to remove mercury vapor and particles from the air. Collecting mercury amalgam waste separately from other materials and disposing of it properly.
How are amalgam fillings removed?
Using a small-diameter carbide drill, the mercury amalgam will be sectioned into chunks to be removed. The larger the chunks removed, the fewer mercury vapors. After the removal, the patient’s mouth will be thoroughly flushed with water.
How do you prepare for amalgam removal?
It is likely that you will have started taking the recommended antioxidants prior to your amalgam filling removal. These might include vitamin E, vitamin C, and selenium. Vitamin E has been shown to protect the brain from methylmercury. Vitamin C mobilises mercury, preparing for its removal from the body.
How long does amalgam removal take?
How long does it take to remove amalgam fillings? Most quadrant appointments are around 60-90 minutes in duration. You’ll be back to regular activity in no time!
What is a amalgam restoration?
Amalgam Restoration Amalgam restorations have been used to restore decayed and damaged teeth for over 150 years. Most people refer to amalgam fillings as ‘silver’ fillings because of their color when first place.
What happens if you swallow your mercury filling?
Loose fragments. Occasionally the filling or crown may be swallowed. Swallowing the piece of dental filling is not dangerous, as it should pass safely through your body. Obviously, it will be unusable by the time it has passed through so please do not try and retrieve it!