Amalgam Removal
Dental amalgam is an alloy (mixture) of silver, tin and copper which is combined with an equal amount of mercury. The “silver” fillings in your mouth contain about 50% mercury. Amalgam has been used as a filling material in teeth since the early 1800’s as it has been long regarded as strong, cheap and easy to use. It is widely accepted around the world that mercury is a highly toxic heavy metal.
Contrary to previous belief, numerous scientific studies have shown that amalgam fillings can release significant amounts of mercury over the lifetime of the filling. There is current concern in the wider community, particularly the World Health Organization in regards to safe levels, if any, to mercury exposure. Several European countries including Germany, Norway, Sweden and Denmark have ceased using amalgam as a filling material in recent years.
As there is a continuous release of mercury from dental amalgam, dentists must dispose of scrap amalgam as hazardous waste.
BCD holistic dentists are highly aware of the potential for excess exposure to mercury when removing amalgam fillings. In order to help reduce the amount of mercury exposure to both patients and staff during amalgam removal, we take certain protective measures. These guidelines are laid out by the International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology (www.iaomt.com).
- Use of a rubber dam so that amalgam pieces and vapours are less likely to be ingested.
- A separate air supply is provided over the nose in order to minimise inhalation of mercury vapour.
- Use of a DentAirVac. This vacuum system is designed specifically to remove and filter potentially toxic vapours and microbiological contaminants away from the immediate breathing area of the patient, dentist and dental assistant.
- A specific single use drill is used to shatter amalgam, minimising vapour release.
- Maximum suction and irrigation with copious water spray are also applied. This keeps the temperature of the metal down.
- Negative Ion Generators are fitted throughout the clinic to minimize mercury vapour in the clinic and air is ducted outside of the building rather than being re-circulated.
Heavy Metal (Mercury) Detoxification
Alongside any amalgam removal we recommend following a heavy metal (mercury) detoxification protocol. Simply having amalgam fillings removed from the mouth does not ensure removal of mercury from different parts of the body, where it can be stored. Certain foods, herbs, vitamins and other compounds have the ability to mobilise and chelate (bind) to mercury, therefore facilitating its removal from the body.
Your BCD dentist can refer you to an appropriate practitioner for mercury detoxification. Alternatively, we are happy to work with any practitioner(s) you are under the care of.
Back to top