Amalgam Filling Removal In Social Circle, Monroe, Covington And Conyers, GA

The safe removal of an amalgam filling involves taking many precautions not normally taken in conventional dental offices. We place a rubber dam or a similar device called an Isolite to isolate the tooth or the quadrant, which prevents mercury vapor, particles and fragments from coming into contact with oral tissues. To further protect the patient from the inhalation of mercury vapor, we administer clean, medical grade oxygen through a comfortable nasal mask. We utilize high volume suction and mercury filters to minimize mercury release into the air and in-office air purifiers to remove mercury vapor and particulates from the immediate environment.Dr. Jones and the Social Circle Dental team wear protective garments during the procedure.


Providing mercury free and mercury safe dentistry
As a holistic and biological dentist, Dr. Jones is concerned about the overall health and wellbeing of patients. Dr. Jones leads more than half of general dentists who no longer place amalgam fillings, deciding in 2002 that he would no longer place amalgams. But more than that, he provides a mercury free dental office and practices mercury safe dentistry. This means instead of amalgam, he uses biocompatible materials such as composite resin and porcelain. He can fabricate restorations such as inlays, onlays, and crowns utilizing natural-looking material and CEREC (Chairside Economical Restorations of Esthetic Ceramic) technology, delivering beautiful results at a single appointment. As a mercury safe dentist, Dr. Jones has training from the International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology and followsits strict protocol for the safe removal and disposal of amalgam. 


Mercury poses a danger to dentists and dental assistants
Studies have found elevated levels of mercury in dentists and dental hygienists. Studies cite mercury exposure one of the reasons dentists have a higher incidence of tremors, higher heart rates, and higher incidences of suicide than others do.Studies also show female dentists and dental assistants have a higher incidence of babies born with birth defectsthan the general population. 

Mercury poses a danger to patients
Mercury is a potent neurotoxin. Studies link mercury exposure to serious health conditions affecting the cardiac, respiratory, immune, digestive, urinary systems and the deterioration of brain cells. Studies also find that the amount of mercury detected in a newborn correlates directly with the number of amalgam fillings in the mother's mouth. 


Dental fillings account for the largest amount of mercury in a person’s body, according to the World Health Organization. A single amalgam filling weighs 2 million micrograms; however, the organization does not recommend more than 1.6 micrograms per kilogram of weight per week. 


Mercury poses a danger to the environment
When mercury is not properly disposed, it can contaminate landfills. Its gases enter the atmosphere and become absorbed by soil, affecting plants. When large parts of amalgam are suctioned off the mouth, they travel through a filtration system into the wastewater. It then enters public water treatment systems, contaminating the water supply. The amount of mercury in an average sized amalgam can poison a 10-acre lake, making the fish unsuitable for consumption.


Removing the potential danger
With so many concerns that can stem from amalgam, Dr. Jones ensures he, his staff, and his patients are safe and protected during amalgam removal procedures. 


Do you want your amalgam filling removed? If you do, Dr. Jones has the skills and expertise to help you. Call 770-464-1900 to schedule an appointment with him.