Mercury Amalgam Removal Technique- A Safe Protocol

Dental amalgam is the silver colored material that is commonly used to fill teeth that have decay. Amalgam is a mixture of mercury and other metals in a stable form and makes strong, long-lasting fillings.

Dental amalgam fillings have been used to restore decayed teeth for more than 150 years. Doctors and individuals request the removal of their amalgam (silver mercury) restorations due to the high mercury content. Prenatal exposure to high levels of mercury, radiation, and inflammation have been associated with adverse reproductive outcomes such as increases in preterm delivery, low birth weight, and delayed neurodevelopment. Few data are available to evaluate the potential effects of prenatal low-level exposure to these factors. A safe protocol to replace the silver mercury filling will ensure that there is minimal if any absorption of materials while being removed. Strong alternative white composite and lab-processed materials are available today to create a healthy and functioning mouth. Preparation of the patient prior to the procedure and after treatment is vital to establish the excretion of the mercury from the body.