The dangers of getting rid of mercury fillings

Mercury filling removal and replacement are more difficult than one may imagine, at least not safely. Did you know that most dentist clinics don’t adhere to established safety procedures while having a holistic dental procedure? When chewing, grinding, or biting, mercury fillings release mercury vapour into the mouth, which is an excellent cause to remove them. However, if the cleanup process is not carried out properly, there is a significant increase in exposure to mercury vapour. Hence, if you already have mercury fillings in your mouth, you may want to consider whether or not getting them removed is best for you. Some people take mercury fillings out for cosmetic purposes, while others want to get rid of it for health reasons. All of this has led to a greater understanding of the potential hazards of the removal process. Sometimes more mercury is released when a previous filling is removed than when it is left in the first place. Therefore, understanding the difference between mercury free and mercury safe fillings is essential. The patient, dentist, and dental team could all be in danger if the difference between mercury free and mercury safe fillings is unclear.

Mercury Free Dentistry

A dentist who has committed to treating their patients’ cavities with white composite fillings rather than antiquated mercury fillings is known as a holistic dentist. Compared to mercury fillings, the white composite material offers several significant advantages. For instance, about 50% of silver amalgam fillings are made of elemental mercury. The filling will gradually release trace amounts of mercury vapour. Mercury has been linked to severe brain and kidney damage. Hence, when a mercury-free alternative in white composite fillings is readily accessible, there is no chance of taking the risk of exposing the body with mercury. Secondly, white composite fillings are completely free of metal. This may be a significant advantage for those with metal allergies or sensitivities. Last but not least, a white composite filling can be coloured to blend in with the colour of your natural teeth, preserving the aesthetic appeal of your smile.

Mercury Safe Dentistry

Mercury fillings are most harmful after being removed. Hence, you need a mercury safe dentist to remove your mercury fillings. Old mercury fillings need to be safely removed by mercury safe dentists; this is a valuable extra service that you might not get from a mercury free or holistic dentist. To remove the mercury filling, it is necessary to cut and grind the filling out of the tooth, releasing more mercury vapour and producing grit that contains the dangerous metal. The patient may easily swallow this grit or be exposed to too much mercury vapour if a mercury safe dentist is not on the job. The inappropriate disposal of the old filling could likewise contaminate the environment.
However, mercury safe dentists are aware of the dangers associated with removing silver amalgam fillings. They employ every possible safety measure to reduce the amount of vapour and grit produced and stop the patient from inhaling or eating the substance. Additionally, mercury safe dentists follow safe cleaning and disposal procedures to avoid contaminating their clinic or the surrounding area with mercury.

Difference between Mercury Free and Mercury Safe fillings.

Now that it is clear that amalgam fillings generate needless and excessive amounts of harmful mercury vapour when improperly removed, the need for a mercury safe dentist is more important. Unsafe levels of mercury will be released into the wastewater and harm the environment if a mercury safe dentist is not there. Secondly, the major difference between mercury free and mercury safe dentists is that a dental practice that adheres to occupational mercury safety standards, mercury safe dentist has the particular tools, instruction, knowledge, and expertise required to reduce the amount of mercury exposure during silver amalgam fillings removal. When a mercury free dentist without expertise in safe removal does the job, the dentist, the patient, the staff, and the environment are all negatively impacted by the mercury emitted during hazardous silver amalgam fillings removal.
Hence it is essential to ensure your dentist is not only mercury free dentist but also occupationally mercury safe and metal free dentist as well. This will help you safeguard against excessive and unneeded occupational exposure to harmful mercury vapour at the dental clinic.