Dentistry has come a long way in the past few decades, and one way to see those changes is with safe mercury removal. Fillings made from metal have been found to contain less than healthy components, notably mercury. In order to safely remove those fillings and pave the way for new, safe porcelain fillings, proper procedures are followed to reduce the number of mercury particles that the patient and the staff are exposed to for the best possible outcome.
Environmental Filters
When metal fillings are removed, it isn’t only the patient and the dental staff that needs protection. It is also important to protect the environment. In our office, we use procedures and protocols to limit the amount of mercury that fits its way into the sewer system. Special filters are used on the equipment to collect as many minuscule particles of mercury as possible.
Charcoal Rinses
To further ensure the safety of our patients, we also use charcoal rinses during the removal process. This step further reduces the level of mercury and other harmful metals found in the metal fillings and leads to fewer incidences of illness and other complications.
Full Body Barriers
In our office, we continue our safety goal by providing patients and staff with full-body barriers. This practice not only protects everyone from bodily fluids, but also from ingesting or inhaling mercury when metal fillings are removed. Eyewear, gloves, proper damming of the patient’s face, and protective clothing are just a few of the precautions we take to ensure your safety while we complete the work necessary for oral, and overall, good health.
