Important points to consider about mercury filling removal

Important to keep the fillings cool at the time of removal

Tremendous heat is generated at the time when amalgam filling is drilled out from a tooth cavity. In]t causes increase of mercury – both in vapour state and in amalgam particles. This continues throughout the removal procedure. When cooling is carried out on the filling during the drilling process the amount of mercury vapour that is released gets reduced substantially. These days, most dentists use a mercury removal process that is called chunking. The procedure involves much less drilling than the older procedure. A dentist drills just enough to cut a filling into chunks. The chunks are then removed either through suction or using a handheld instrument depending a dentist’s convenience.

High-volume evacuator and its usage

Usually mercury free dentists rely on a powerful suction system. This is actually one of the most effective tools to minimise a patient’s exposure to harmful mercury vapour as well as amalgam particles. Entire time when the filling is being is being removed make sure that the evacuator tip is kept between 10 mm and 15 mm of the filling. This will capture a greater amount of mercury vapour and amalgam particles, opines an expert busy with amalgam removal in London.

An alternative source of air for the patients

While removing amalgam filling from the mouth of a patient it is important to provide the individual with an alternative source of air. However this alternative air source is no more required once the removal process is over. The other source of air is to be provided only during the time when an amalgam filling is being removed. As such there is no need for providing with this alternative air source either while preparing the tooth for a new, mercury-free filling or while the new filling is being placed on the tooth.

Importance of rubber dam in mercury filling removal

A rubber dam is a tried and tested tool to isolate the tooth or teeth your dentist works upon. When you place a rubber dam it reduces the quantity of mercury vapour that a patient inhales through the mouth to some extent or the other during mercury removal procedure. Even though a certain amount of the harmful vapour passes through the rubber dam yet the rubber dam makes the task of evacuating the filling material. In other words the tool proves effective in preventing patients from swallowing the amalgam particles. If a patient can steadily maintain breathing through the nose throughout the mercury amalgam removal procedure, a very little mercury will actually pass through the rubber dam.

After removing amalgam filling it is important to remove gloves and clean the mouth of a patient

As the first step it is important to safely remove as well as replace an amalgam filling. Once both the removal and replacement are done the dentist and his or her assistants must dispose their gloves. It is also important to dispose the rubber dam placed inside the patient’s mouth. Lastly thoroughly rinse as well as vacuum, the mouth of the patient for a minimum of 15 seconds. The patient should better not swallow throughout this phase of the procedure. Once the rinsing procedure is over, the patient should take a small amount of water in the mouth and gargle as far back into the throat as possible. This water should not be swallowed and rather should be spat into a sink.

Use of activated charcoal

Research shows activated charcoal is taken about 15 to 20 minutes before undergoing amalgam removal procedure. It binds tinier particles of the mercury that a patient swallowed and passes them safely out of the body through faeces. A very minute amount of mercury that is likely to be present in the intestine does not provide any harm.

 

Why amalgam removal from the tooth is necessary?

There are more reasons than one to remove amalgam fillings from the teeth. The reasons include the following –

• Safer for both dentists and patients – more than anything else amalgam fillings expose every category of dental professionals to mercury in workplace. Mercury is harmful for the health; it may lead to certain neurological issues as well as other chronic health problems. Effects of mercury on a person’s health vary from individual to individual. It depends on certain factors like their age, overall health condition and the length of exposure. However the most crucial factor is the volume or quantity of the metal they come across. A dental facility that is free from mercury creates a healthy working environment, without bringing any harm either to patients or dental professionals.
• Pregnancy and a child in the womb – Whatever a pregnant lady eats or drinks invariably affect the baby. Encounter with any chemical is likely to have a negative effect on the baby. Mercury fillings are considered risky for a baby who is growing inside the womb of a would-be mother. Researches carried out in this field show mercury fillings may play a role in prenatal deaths.
• Better and healthier option – to cut a long story short mercury is a toxic substance. Using mercury for dental fillings is a harmful practice. This is high time the approach must be put a stop to. Toxicity present in mercury is known to affect natural immunity of the body. Moreover it is likely to trigger problems with the digestive, cardiac, urinary and respiratory systems. Mercury is colourless and odourless substance. It easily vaporises at room temperature. As a result both patients and dental professionals remain unaware that harmful mercury is getting directly into their bloodstreams.
• Makes your smile more natural – a metal filling is easily noticeable whenever you smile. It also shows itself when you talk to someone. When you choose to go free from mercury your tooth cavity is protected with a restoration that blends with the natural colour of your teeth. As a result your smile becomes more natural and attractive.
• Say ‘cheers!’ to environment – one of the most serious reasons to go for mercury filling removal at Smile Clinic London is to secure betterment of the environment. Toxic mercury easily finds its way in water systems. At the end of a hard day a dentist’s office may unknowingly drain the mercury into the sink. This way the toxic metal easily finds its way polluting the environment. Getting rid of from dental procedures is a big contribution to a greener and less polluted environment.