Amalgam Filling Removal

Amalgam filling removal is performed by specialist physicians at Liv Hospital Oral and Dental Health Clinic.

The removal of amalgam fillings is a process that requires a lot of precision due to the mercury element in the structure of the fillings. The mercury in the amalgam filling can harm both the patient and the physician during the removal process.

What is Amalgam Filling?

Amalgam filling is a filling method that has been used in dentistry for a long time.

What are Amalgam Filling Damages?

Although it is effective in terms of permanence, it has been used less frequently in recent years due to its harms. This is due to the element mercury, which makes up the bulk of its content. Other substances in the filler are silver, copper and tin. Mercury is a substance that is in liquid form at room temperature. It binds together other metals used in the filling and thus creates a solid filling material.

However, with the studies, it was concluded that mercury, even in the filling, has harmful effects on human health. Mercury, which has a toxic effect, spreads to organs, can damage the heart, liver, lungs and kidneys, nervous system and immune system.

Is Amalgam Filling Harmful During Pregnancy?

It is a form of filling treatment that should not be applied especially in pregnant women or children. In addition, amalgam filling types cause an image that is incompatible with tooth color.

Along with the developing technological possibilities, many types of fillings that are less noticeable, have the natural color of the tooth and do not contain metal have emerged. Amalgam fillings can cause various discomforts in the future with their metal and mercury content. They are also not considered aesthetically pleasing in appearance. The only advantage of amalgam filling is that it can be used for years without losing its durability. Successfully applied filling can stay for 5 – 20 years.

Should Amalgam Fillings Be Replaced?

Due to its damage and poor appearance, many patients refer to dentists to remove amalgam fillings and replace them with modern fillings. Amalgam filling removal is a work that requires precision and expertise. Although it is recommended not to disassemble as much as possible, the main decision should be made after the physician's examination. Amalgam may need to be removed for aesthetically more effective and healthy fillings. Amalgam removal method should not be applied to pregnant and lactating mothers.

Amalgam Filling Removal Smart Protocol

Removing the amalgam filling is a delicate operation. The mercury in the filler can harm the patient and the physician. Particular attention should be paid to the parts that come out during disassembly and the gas emission. Therefore, some precautions should be taken before the procedure. The International Academy of Oral Medicine & Toxicology has made special studies and observations on how to behave during amalgam removal. Later, these methods became known as the Smart Protocol.

What Does Smart Protocol Mean?

The amalgam removal protocol developed by the IAOMT organization is known as the Smart method. Smart gets its name from the abbreviation of “Safe Mercury Amalgam Removal Technique”, that is, “Safe Mercury Amalgam Removal Technique”. All the details, from the kind of environment to work in the technique in question, to the tools to be used, have been determined. According to this:

• The mercury gas released by devices with extraoral aerosol should be separated from the air and collected.
• Machines with strong suction power should be used for the saliva to be secreted by the patient during filling removal.
• In particular, the patient's mouth should be protected. For this, Dental-RubberDam (Tire cover apparatus) must be used. In addition, this apparatus should be placed in such a way that it covers the mouth with a barrier. Oxygen tubes can be used in the patient for adequate breathing level.
• The health of not only the patient, but also the physicians and assistants performing the application is important. Physicians and their assistants should wear covering clothes and use protective special gloves.
• During the amalgam filling removal process, the said filling is kept cold. Usually water cooling is applied.
• In the disassembly process, as large as possible are removed and their disintegration is prevented.
• During the operation, there must be air flow in the environment where the operation will be performed. Ventilation systems with filters are required to prevent the harmful effects of mercury gas. If necessary, the windows of the room should be opened and the dismantling process should be continued.
• Before starting the procedure, the patient's mouth should be cleaned with a special solution and the mouth should be rinsed after the procedure. In the special solution, there are components such as active-carbon that will keep the metal in its body.
• For the removal of amalgam fillings, your doctor should first examine you and make a decision by making the necessary measurements. This procedure may not be healthy for everyone. For detailed information about amalgam filling removal treatment, you can contact Liv Hospital Vadistanbul Oral and Dental Health Clinic.