Safe Mercury Removal

Worried about the potential health effects of mercury in your old dental fillings? At Los Robles General & Cosmetic Dental Center in Thousand Oaks, California, Mojgan Hashemi, DDS, offers safe mercury removal and replacement of amalgam fillings with composite fillings. Call the office or schedule an appointment online to find out if you’re a candidate for the procedure and learn more.

What is safe mercury removal?

Dental amalgam has been used to fill cavities for decades. It is about 50% mercury by weight. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) considers amalgam safe for use as a dental filling material, but it’s also classified as a toxic substance by the World Health Organization because it can cause severe and adverse health effects for some people.

Many dentists recommend removing silver amalgam fillings and replacing them with composite fillings.

Removing fillings with mercury requires special care as the mercury is released during amalgam filling removal. Safe mercury removal protects the dental staff and patient from the released mercury.

What is the process for safe mercury removal?

Replacing amalgam fillings with composite fillings involves the following precautions:

• Using an impermeable barrier around the treatment area to prevent exposure to other parts of your mouth
• Using an external oxygen source to prevent inhalation of mercury particles or vapor during removal
• Protective gowns for the dentist and dental staff
• Protective gowns for the patient
• Filtration and ventilation in the treatment room to eliminate mercury vapor and particles from the air
• Collection and proper storage and disposal of amalgam waste materials

Once the fillings are removed and replaced with composite fillings, you should not experience any adverse health effects associated with mercury. Plus, amalgam fillings crack over time and need replacing to protect the tooth from further decay.

When should I get safe mercury removal?

If you have old metal fillings that are worn and cracked, they need to be replaced. If you’re replacing the fillings, you should choose a practice with training in safe mercury removal, like Los Robles General & Cosmetic Dental Center, to replace your amalgam fillings with composite fillings.

Amalgam fillings should also be replaced if your tooth is decaying under the filling.

If your old fillings are fine, but you are concerned about the possible effects of mercury on your health, you should schedule an appointment for safe mercury removal. Mercury amalgams can release small amounts of vapors when you brush your teeth, chew, grind, or drink hot liquids.

Call the practice or schedule an appointment online to learn more about safe mercury removal for your old fillings.