Santa Cruz, Scotts Valley CA
When someone has a cavity, there are now more options than ever for the material used to fill it. But it wasn’t too long ago that options were far more limited, and people walking around with common silver fillings can prove it! Silver fillings have been used in dentistry for over a century due to their cost-effectiveness and durability.
However, a generation of more health-conscious people has raised concerns about the mercury in silver fillings, which accounts for about 50 percent of the filling per weight. Many are requesting that their silver fillings be removed and replaced with other, safer materials. The removal process creates mercury vapor, which is dangerous to both the patient and the dental staff removing the filling. Removal requires the skill and know-how to do it properly and safely.
Mercury is a toxic heavy metal that has to be handled properly; otherwise, it can pose significant health risks. As more research surfaces about these potential risks associated with mercury exposure, our biological dentist in Santa Cruz has dug into mercury-safe dental practices. Read on to learn more …
What are the health risks of mercury exposure?
Mercury is a known neurotoxin, which means it can negatively affect the nervous system.
Potential health risks associated with mercury exposure include:
- Neurological issues — Mercury exposure can lead to cognitive dysfunction, memory problems and mood disorders.
- Kidney damage — Mercury is toxic to the kidneys and can impair their function over time.
- Immune system impairment — Mercury can weaken the immune system, making individuals more susceptible to illnesses.
- Developmental concerns — In pregnant women, mercury exposure can harm a developing fetus, potentially leading to developmental delays and neurological disorders in children.
What’s the difference in mercury-safe and mercury-free dentistry?
Mercury-free dentistry involves using alternative materials for fillings that do not contain mercury, such as composite resins, porcelain or gold. This eliminates the risk of mercury exposure from new fillings. Mercury-safe dentistry takes it a step further by ensuring that when old mercury amalgam fillings are removed, it is done in a way that minimizes mercury exposure to both our patient and dental staff. Special protocols are followed to prevent mercury vapor release and contamination.
These protocols include:
- Isolation — Using a rubber dam to isolate the tooth and prevent mercury particles from being ingested or inhaled.
- High-volume suction — Employing high-volume suction devices to capture mercury vapors and particles during the removal process.
- Proper ventilation — Ensuring the dental office is well-ventilated to dissipate any mercury vapors.
- Protective gear — Providing dental staff with protective masks and gloves to minimize direct exposure.
- Waste management — Following strict guidelines for disposing of mercury-contaminated waste to prevent environmental contamination.
What are the benefits of mercury-safe dentistry?
- Reducing mercury exposure protects our patients’ health by minimizing the potential risks associated with mercury toxicity.
- It also ensures the safety of our team of Scotts Valley dental professionals since they are also at risk of mercury exposure during procedures.
- Mercury is an environmental pollutant. Mercury-safe practices help prevent mercury from entering the environment, where it can contaminate water and soil, impacting wildlife and human health.
MERCURY-SAFE DENTIST IN SCOTTS VALLEY, SANTA CRUZ, AND LOS GATOS, CALIFORNIA
As awareness of the risks associated with mercury exposure grows, so does the importance of adopting mercury-safe protocols in dental practices. Ebrahimian Integrative Dentistry prioritizes mercury-safe dentistry because it protects your health and the health of our staff. If you’re interested in learning more, contact us at (831) 824-5111 or reach out to us online today.
