Safe Amalgam Filling Removal
Amalgam fillings could be poisonous if not being removed properly — mainly because the removal process exposes you to a lot of mercury vapor, even compared to leaving them in.
Picasso Dental Clinic adheres to the strictests procedure known as SMART Protocol to ensure your safety.
What is Amalgam Filling?
Dental Amalgam, also known as Silver Filling material is a mixture of Mercury and Metal Alloy’s used to fill a hole in a tooth after decay has been removed by a dentist. Amalgam commonly consists of Mercury (50%), Silver (35%), Tin (13%), Copper (2%) and other trace metals like Zinc.
In the 1800s, amalgam became the dental restorative material of choice due to its low cost, ease of application, strength, and durability. Recently however, concern for appearance, environmental pollution, health, and the availability of improved, reliable, composite (white) filling materials have diminished its popularity. In particular, concerns about the toxicity of mercury have made its use increasingly controversial.
Dental Amalgam Toxicity
The greatest toxicity concern with Dental Amalgam is the potential for mercury poisoning when used as the dental material in a dental filling. Major health and professional organizations say that amalgam is safe. However, critics argue that it has toxic effects that make it unsafe, both for the patient and perhaps even more so for the dental professional manipulating it during a restoration. The removal of amalgam fillings is not recommended for reasons other than a true hypersensitivity to Mercury. Removal involves exposure to mercury vapor released during the removal process. With regards to amalgam placement and removal in pregnancy, research has not shown any adverse effects for the mother or fetus.
Amalgam is one of the most commonly used dental restoration materials being used in restoring Tooth Decay/ Caries.
However, concern for appearance, environmental pollution, health, and the availability of improved, reliable, Composite Materials have diminished its popularity. In particular, concerns about the toxicity of mercury have made its use increasingly controversial.
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Frequently Asked Questions
At Picasso Dental Clinic, we do NOT provide Amalgam Fillings due to its potential side-effects or harms. However, there are still a large number of dentists in Vietnam and worldwide still do.
Dental amalgam is still favorable because it is a proven, easily manipulated, durable, strong, loadbearing, bacteriostatic and cost-effective material that is straightforward and swift to place in cavities of all sizes.
However, we strongly advise you should consider safer alternatives such as composite fillings, porcelain inlay/onlay if appropriate.
The consumption of fish and other seafood contaminated with methylmercury is the primary cause of mercury contamination for most people. This form of mercury is particularly hazardous as it can easily build up in the food chain. Though there has not been evidence to suggest that elemental mercury from dental amalgam fillings poses a risk, when it is discarded into nature, aquatic microbes can convert it into methylmercury which could end up building up in the food chain and inadvertently contribute to human mercury exposure.
The rubber dam can be used by dentists to isolate the amalgam filling from the rest of the tooth during amalgam removal. When used in conjunction with the evacuator, water, dry air, and partitioning, amalgam removal is not dangerous. If it is combined with the evacuator, water, dry air, and partitioning, it can protect the patient from mercury vapors.
In addition to harming the peripheral nervous system, mercury can also affect a person’s immunity, senses, and digestion. Mercury is a toxic element. In addition to memory loss, tremors, cognitive dysfunction, and neurological issues, an individual can experience behavioral and neurological problems.
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Whether you're visiting us for professional teeth cleaning, a routine dental health check or something more extensive, our qualified dentists at Picasso Dental Clinic offer a wide range of comprehensive dental services. It's our aim to be a one-stop dental experience for you and your loved ones.
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