Services
Mercury Free Dentistry
The mission of biologic dentistry, (which alternately called: biosafe dentistry, organic dentistry, and holistic dentistry) is to provide patients with the option of a minimally invasive approach that considers the whole body health. Use biocompatible material (BPA free fillings), no Bisphenol A, no phtahalates. Relate your oral health to your overall health. Utilize the latest technology and material in dental medicine.
Ensuring Safety: Our Approach to Mercury Amalgam Filling Removal Protocols at UDFD
Patients have many questions regarding the various safety protocols utilized in the removal of mercury amalgam fillings. While there are several variations to the mercury removal protocol, At UDFD we strictly adhere to those recommendations set forth by IAOMT (International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology) and that of the Huggins Alliance. The IAOMT is a membership organization comprised of dental, medical, and research professionals involved in peer reviewed scientific research, education and promotion of biologic dentistry. This removal protocol can vary from dentist to dentist, but ultimately is designed and set forth to ensure the utmost safety for both the patient, and for our staff.
General Removal and Restoration Guidelines
1. Take activated charcoal: there is some evidence that activated charcoal taken 10-15 min prior to amalgam removal can bind smaller particles of swallowed mercury, allowing them to be harmlessly passed out of the intestine via the feces. We consider this to be optional, as very little elemental or inorganic mercury is absorbed thought the intestine, but it can’t hurt.
2. Protective barriers: covering the patients face and clothing with protective barrier will prevent mercury particles from landing on the skin, clothes, or the eyes.
3. Use of a dental dam: a dental dam isolates the tooth or teeth that are being worked on. Some mercury free dentists don’t believe that this is absolutely necessary, but it’s our opinion that the dental dam is essential for the safe removal of mercury amalgam fillings. Even though mercury vapor can pass through the dental dam, we believe that the dental dam makes it easier to evacuate the filling material and prevent amalgam particles from being swallowed.
4. Keep the fillings cool during removal: removing amalgam fillings generates a tremendous amount of heat, which causes an increase in the release of mercury, both as vapor and as amalgam particles, during the entire removal process. Cooling the filling with water and air during this process dramatically reduces the amount of mercury vapor the filling releases.
5. High-volume evacuation (HVE): A special suction tip is used to remove the amount of aerosol spray and also helps capture more of the mercury vapors and particles.
6. Remove gloves and dental dam and clean the patient’s mouth: once the amalgam fillings have been safely removed, the dentist and the assistant remove their gloves and the dental dam, and thoroughly rinse and vacuum the patients’ entire mouth for at least 30 seconds. The patient should make every effort not to swallow during this process.
7. Restore with Biocompatible Materials such as:
Mercury free restorations: Porcelain filling, Inlays and Onlays (Lithium Disilicate, porcelain..)
Non-metallic crown and Bridge: Zirconium oxide, Procera, Lava
Non-metallic removable partial denture: Flexite, Valplast
“I prioritizes long-term health, ensuring each smile is a masterpiece of both art and wellness.”
Nari Kim, DMD
General and Cosmetic Dentist
