Amalgam Removal
SMART – Safe Mercury Amalgam Removal Technique
Amalgam removal dentist in Brisbane Dr Rachel Hall has been providing holistic dentistry for over 20 years. Evolve Dental Healing is a SMART certified dental practice, but what does that mean for you?
Dental Amalgam and Mercury
All dental amalgam restorations contain approximately 50% mercury, and reports and research are consistent that these fillings emit mercury vapours.
Scientific research demonstrates that dental mercury amalgam exposes dental professionals, dental staff, dental patients, and/or foetuses to releases of mercury vapour, mercury-containing particulate, and/or other forms of mercury contamination.
Mercury vapour is known to be released from dental mercury amalgam fillings at higher rates during brushing, cleaning, clenching of teeth, chewing, etc. and mercury is also known to be released during the placement, replacement, and removal of dental mercury amalgam fillings.
Amalgam Removal – A Scientific Approach
Safety recommendations for the removal of existing dental mercury amalgam fillings, including detailed protective measures that are to be utilised for the procedure are based on available scientific evidence.
Safe amalgam removal techniques incorporate the use of masks, water irrigation, and high volume suction as well as additional protective measures such as filtration and mercury capture devices.
SMART Mercury Filling Removal
Removing amalgam fillings safely involves the following procedures and protocols:
- An amalgam separator must be installed to collect mercury amalgam waste so that it is not released into the effluent from the dental office.
- Each room where mercury amalgam fillings are removed must have adequate filtration in place, which requires a high-volume air filtration system capable of removing mercury vapour and amalgam particles generated during the removal of mercury fillings
- If possible, windows should be opened to reduce the mercury concentration in the air. Or there should be high flow air supply/ducting in place to circulate and evacuate the air
- The patient can take a slurry of charcoal or chlorella rinse and swallow before the procedure
- Protective gowns and covers for the dentist, dental personnel, and the patient to protect against particles generated during the procedure.
- Non-latex nitrile gloves must be utilized by the dentist and all dental personnel in the room
- Face shields and hair/head coverings for the dentist and dental personnel
- Respiratory masks rated to capture mercury are worn by the dentist and all dental personnel in the room
- External air or oxygen is delivered via a nasal mask for the patient to ensure the patient does not inhale any mercury vapour or amalgam particulate during the procedure.
- A dental dam that is made with non-latex nitrile material is placed and properly sealed in the patient’s mouth.
- A saliva ejector must be placed under the dental dam to reduce mercury exposure to the patient.
- During amalgam filling removal, the dentist must utilize an at source oral aerosol vacuum in close proximity to the operating field to mitigate mercury exposure.
- Copious amounts of water to reduce heat to reduce ambient mercury levels.
- The amalgam needs to be sectioned into chunks and removed in as large of pieces as possible.
- Once the removal process is complete, the patient’s mouth should be thoroughly flushed with water and then rinsed out with a slurry of charcoal or chlorella if required.
Amalgam Removal – Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
We do not recommend amalgam filling removal for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, nor do we recommend that dental personnel who are pregnant or breastfeeding conduct work that disrupts amalgam fillings (including their removal).
(scientific references for amalgam removal can be reviewed here)
Mercury In Dental Fillings
Dental amalgam safety has been debated since the use of this dental material began over 150 years ago, and much of the debate has centred on the mercury in these fillings under the assumption that this type of mercury is safe when this is in fact not the case.
The truth is that the type of mercury used in amalgam fillings is elemental (metallic) mercury, which is the same type of mercury used in certain types of thermometers (many of which have been banned). All forms of mercury are dangerous, and exposure to mercury, even in minute amounts, is known to be toxic and poses significant risks to human health.
All dental amalgam restorations contain approximately 50% mercury, and reports and research are consistent that these fillings emit mercury, exposing dental patients, dental professionals, dental staff, and their foetuses to this known neurotoxin.
Properly diagnosing “adverse health effects” related to dental mercury amalgam fillings is complicated by the fact that reactions can take years to manifest and by the intricate list of potential responses to the substance, which include over 250 specific symptoms. Not all patients will experience the same symptom or combination of symptoms and hence it is difficult to see that the symptoms are those of mercury exposure.
Amalgam Removal Dentist Brisbane
Dr Rachel Hall is a SMART certified dentist and has been providing amalgam removal services for over 20 years, helping thousands of patients have mercury-free mouths and healthy smiles.
To book your amalgam removal consultation and comprehensive mouth examination call 07 3720 1811 today
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Dr. Rachel Hall
Rachel is the founder and principal dentist at Evolve Dental Healing with over 30 years experience, practising holistically since 2001. Not your typical dentist, Rachel is a passionate opinion leader, challenging convention to empower people to make better dental and health choices, helping thousands to have healthy natural smiles. A respected writer and presenter on holistic dentistry, health and wellness it is Rachel’s mission to revolutionise the way people look at their dental health.
