Tongue feels funny, with a metallic aftertaste in your mouth? It might be your trusty old amalgam fillings. Once thought safe, amalgam now raises health and environmental issues.
Most smile makeovers start with the removal of that ugly silver amalgam. Amidst the shock, amalgam has mercury. It is a proven toxin when mishandled.
Was the amalgam removed the wrong way? If so, it is hazardous, messy, and frankly dangerous. Though amalgam fillings are small, their damage can be tremendous.
A whiter smile isn’t worth jeopardizing health from unsafe amalgam removal. Always opt for safe mercury removal to safeguard your smile and body.
What Is Amalgam And Why Remove It?
Dental amalgam is a gray-colored filling material that has been used for many decades to fill cavities. It is made of mercury combined with silver, tin, and copper to produce a strong filling.
Although inexpensive, the fear of mercury exposure has caused people to have them removed. Long-term exposure can compromise the kidneys, brain, and immune function, particularly if removed improperly.
Aesthetically, amalgam does not blend with tooth color and will cause discoloration of the surrounding enamel. Old amalgam has a greater tendency for tooth structure cracks due to metal expansion.
Some think all amalgam is poisonous. However, science allies itself with safe mercury removal, not hysteria. Evidence indicates dangers to health result primarily from unsupervised or forceful amalgam removal procedures. Knowledge of the science and safety procedures enables patients to make informed decisions about their dental care.
Dangers Of Inadequate Removal
Inadequate amalgam removal allows toxic mercury vapor to enter your lungs and bloodstream. Grinding rather than sectioning amalgam quickly produces heat and exposes the operator to mercury.
Tooth damage is also a risk, as aggressive removal can potentially weaken the enamel or dentin. Even worse, loose amalgam fragments can damage soft tissue if not suctioned properly.
Environmental contamination is a significant issue, as mercury waste must be handled safely. Bad disposal contaminates water and soil and creates threats to communities and wildlife.
Selecting a non-certified dentist for the removal of amalgams greatly multiplies all these risks. Trained professionals are subject to rigorous protocols and employ specialized equipment for safe mercury removal.
Don’t take shortcuts. Your body and the earth’s long-term health are at stake.
The SMART Protocol: Safe Mercury Amalgam Removal Technique
The IAOMT specifies the SMART (Safe Mercury Amalgam Removal Technique) protocol. It spells out specific steps to reduce mercury exposure. This protocol involves the use of personal protective gear, sophisticated filtration systems, and waste containment protocols.
SMART-trained dentists utilize rubber dams, oxygen masks, and suction systems when removing. The purpose is straightforward: to remove amalgam without depositing harmful mercury into your body or the environment.
Adhering to SMART provides a reliable, science-based method of safe mercury removal. Patients gain from less exposure, environmental sensitivity, and improved post-removal outcomes. Dentists trained in SMART standards are the only ones who should do amalgam removal for maximum safety.
Step-by-Step: How Professionals Remove Amalgam Safely
Step 1: You Have to Go Through Initial Consultation & Evaluation
Your dentist examines your existing amalgam fillings and general oral health. Damage is evaluated with the aid of X-rays.
Step 2: Dentists Will Offer Patient Protection
A rubber dam is used to isolate the tooth. You breathe through an oxygen port to prevent mercury vapors.
Step 3: Then Come Ventilation and High-Volume Suction
Special suction devices remove amalgam debris and vapors. The room air is filtered at all times.
Step 4: The Next Is Sectioning the Filling (Not Grinding)
The filling is broken into pieces and removed slowly to release less heat and vapor.
Step 5: Dentists Will Provide You with Prompt Cleanup and Rinse
Your mouth is rinsed with water and charcoal slurry to trap trace mercury particles.
Step 6: Proper Disposal of Amalgam Waste Happens
Removed amalgam is capped and disposed of in hazardous waste centers, never rinsed down the drain.
These well-planned steps result in safe mercury removal, the best option for your health and environment.
Safe amalgam removal benefits both appearance and health. Don’t take safety shortcuts. Yuo must rely on professionals trained in the safe removal of mercury.
Take charge of your path to a brighter, healthier smile by making smart dental decisions. Proper amalgam removal keeps you, your dentist, and the environment safe.