Amalgam fillings were commonly used for many years in dentistry. However these fillings could be as much as 50% mercury, which is now known to be one of the most toxic substances in the world. Many people consider amalgam removal to protect their health against the possibility of mercury entering their bodies.
Amalgam Fillings
Not all amalgam fillings will be dangerous so there is no need to rush out immediately to get them removed. In fact in some cases it can actually be more harmful to get amalgam removal carried out if it is not done properly. Incorrect amalgam removal can results in more exposure to the mercury that when they were in your teeth.
* The techniques used to put in the original amalgam fillings have been shown to cause more problems than they may fix.
* Because the filling had to be wedged into a gap it could damage the healthy tooth structure. This could cause cracks to appear which could allow bacteria and toxins to enter the sensitive inner cavity of the tooth resulting in more damage and decay.
* The filling itself can crack and leak over time. This could enable mercury to enter your body and means you would need the filling replaced.
* Amalgam fillings can discolour over the years and this can cause an unattractive look that many people will feel embarrassed about.
There are now much healthier alternatives to amalgam fillings. This means you could benefit from getting these old fillings removed and replaced using a specialist dentist.
Amalgam Removal Precautions
There are a number of specialist procedures in place to deal safely with amalgam removal. Dentists will take a number of precautions to help protect patients as they are working on these fillings:
* Patients will be assessed for their overall health before beginning amalgam removal. This will help dentists to identify vulnerable patients that may be more susceptible to mercury toxins.
* Dental dams can be used that will collect any particles of the amalgam filling that may escape during the procedure. These nitrile style dams will help to prevent any mercury from being accidently swallowed or inhaled by the patient.
* Ventilation systems can be used whilst the dentist is working. This will reduce the risks of mercury vapour being inhaled by the patient or dentist.
Amalgam removal can be provided by specialist dentists. This will ensure you get the right treatment with plenty of precautions in place to reduce the risks of exposure to toxic substances.