The five steps to a healthier smile with safe mercury filling removals
Mercury might sound cool and cosmic, but it is a big deal when using mercury in the mouth. If you have old silver-colored amalgam fillings, they might contain mercury, a material that, while commonly used in the past, is now being swapped out for safer options like composite resin. In order to do so, safe mercury removal needs to be handled by the professionals who know what they’re doing.
Drs. Ruhi Sangha and Praj Kamat of Transcendentist in Berkeley, California, take time to break down the process of how to safely remove and replace mercury fillings:
- Preparation for the procedure
The first step to safely removing mercury is preparation, both for you and your dental team. Before the process begins, your dentist sets the stage to keep everyone safe. Think high-tech gear like air filtration systems, protective barriers, and specialized suction tools to keep mercury particles and vapors contained. This step ensures a controlled environment with minimal exposure for you and the professionals involved. - Preparation of safety measures
When it’s go-time, you and your dentist will suit up to tackle the task. You might wear a nasal respirator or a special mask to avoid inhaling mercury vapor, while your dentist uses gloves, gowns, and something extra cool called a “rubber dam.” This thin sheet shields your mouth, isolating the tooth being treated and keeping any mercury residue from wandering where it doesn’t belong. - Breaking down the mercury filling
Now comes the fun part: out with the old! Instead of drilling away the entire amalgam filling, your dentist will carefully section it into smaller chunks for safer removal. Why? This reduces heat (which can release more mercury vapor) and ensures precision. Using advanced tools, they’ll gently extract the pieces with as little disruption as possible, keeping the experience smooth and stress-free. - Removal and replacement of mercury filling
Once the mercury filling is removed, your tooth gets the VIP treatment. Your dentist will thoroughly rinse and clean the area, ensuring no mercury residue is left behind. Then, they’ll replace it with a modern, mercury-free filling that’s biocompatible and looks seamless. Whether you choose composite resin or another durable material, your smile will look better than new. - Proper disposal of mercury fillings
What happens to that old mercury filling? Don’t worry, your dentist knows exactly how to handle it. Mercury waste is carefully collected and disposed of following strict environmental standards to protect people and the planet. It’s all about keeping you safe and leaving a positive impact!
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How long does it take to remove mercury fillings?
The entire process is relatively quick, thanks to our dentists’ skills and experience in removal and replacement. Most of these treatments are done in approximately 30 minutes, allowing clients to get back to their day with little interruption.
Where can I find a mercury removal dentist near me in the Berkeley, California area?
If you are ready to upgrade your dental health and say goodbye to old mercury fillings, why not do it with a team you can trust? At Transcendentist of Berkeley, California, we take great pride in blending advanced techniques with an eco-conscious approach. Call Transcendentist today at (510) 800-7660 to request a visit with our team.
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