14
May
Seven Safety Measures We Observe For Safe Mercury Removal
At the Center for Holistic Dentistry, your health is our priority. That’s why we offer safe mercury removal in Los Angeles, California, to prioritize your overall well-being. Drs. Mamta Dalwani and Chela Altman have specialized equipment, experience, and training to minimize exposure during amalgam removal.
Don’t spend another day with a restoration you don’t feel confident in. Experience our careful, methodical approach to mercury filling removal.
Safety precautions we follow when removing mercury fillings
Removing old amalgam fillings requires more than routine dental care. It demands skills and experience that prioritize your safety at every step. We follow the strict Safe Mercury Amalgam Removal Technique (SMART) protocol to minimize exposure to you, our team, and the environment.
Our mercury-safe removal process incorporates these precautions:
- Protective barriers: Your holistic dentist uses a rubber dam to isolate your tooth or teeth. The dental dam keeps the working area contained. This barrier also protects the patient from inhaling the mercury vapors through the mouth.
- Advanced air filtration and suction: Air quality matters. We use high-volume suction and specialized filtration systems to trap mercury vapors and particles at the source. This significantly reduces the amount that enters the air, creating a safer, cleaner environment for both you and our team.
- Continuous water cooling: Drilling your filling generates heat, which can increase the release of mercury vapor. To prevent this, we apply a constant stream of water while removing the filling. This reduces vaporization and makes the process smoother and safer.
- Protective gear: Dentists, dental personnel, and patients use protective gloves, face shields, gowns, and head coverings to minimize mercury exposure. Protective gear keeps everyone in the room safe from mercury contamination.
- Providing patients with an alternative source of oxygen: During removal, we’ll give you a nasal mask to breathe oxygen from a tank or air outside the office. Throughout the procedure, we’ll encourage you to breathe through your nose to avoid inhaling any mercury vapor released into the air.
- Sectioning the amalgams into chunks: Instead of drilling out the entire filling at once, we carefully section it into smaller pieces. This minimizes drilling time and reduces the amount of mercury released. It’s a precise, controlled approach designed to limit exposure while preserving your natural tooth structure.
- Proper mercury disposal: We also ensure proper mercury disposal by following strict environmental and safety guidelines. Our protocols go beyond safe removal, encompassing careful disposal of mercury-contaminated materials and safe cleaning of any equipment that was exposed to mercury. We value the health of our patients and the planet.
Once we remove the amalgam filling, it’s time to open a new chapter for your smile. We restore your tooth with a healthier, more aesthetically appealing option: a composite filling. Once in place, composite fillings look natural, and you don’t have to worry about their safety.
Real Patients, Real Results: Amalgam Removal Before & After
Tooth decay and safe mercury removal replaced with BPA free composite filling.
Is amalgam filling removal safe for pregnant women?
While we take extra steps to minimize exposure during mercury filling removal, we do not recommend the procedure for pregnant or breastfeeding women. We’ll postpone the procedure until it’s safe for you and your baby.
Who offers amalgam filling removal near me in Los Angeles, CA?
The Center for Holistic Dentistry is committed to providing you with safe, effective care using the latest and proven methods. Our use of the SMART protocol underpins our commitment to professional excellence, patient safety, and environmental responsibility. Call us today at (310) 207-4617 or schedule your appointment online.