Friends and Family Dental follow specific protocols designed by researchers to be the most effective and safest method of removing silver amalgam (mercury) fillings. During treatment to remove the amalgam fillings, the patient may be exposed to large amounts of mercury. Several precautionary steps are taken to help reduce mercury absorption.

The International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology established standards to help reduce the risk of mercury absorption:

• A rubber dam is placed on the patient to help prevent amalgam debris from being swallowed or inhaled.
• Goggles are placed on the patient to help prevent amalgam particles from contacting the eyes or skin.
• Use of a high volume suction in operating field
• A saliva ejector is used under the rubber dam to evacuate mercury vapor that may diffuse through the rubber dam
• The rubber dam if continuously being rinsed to remove excess amalgam
• Lots of water is used to help keep the amalgam and tooth cool to help reduce amount of vaporization of mercury
• The amalgam is sectioned to help reduce amalgam particles.
• The mouth is then rinsed thoroughly after treatment is complete
• DMSA (dimercaptosuccinic acid) information: www.wikipedia.org/wiki/dimercaptosuccinic_acid