The environmental health effects of amalgam are well known, and have recently been reiterated by the United States Environmental Protection Agency: brain damage and neurological problems, especially for children and the unborn babies of pregnant women.  Due to the high costs of cleaning up this environmental hazard, amalgam is now recognized as “more expensive than most, possibly all, other fillings when including environmental costs.”

It is also known  that one of the leading sources of mercury in water is the dental sector, meaning dental practices around the country.  US Environmental Protection Agency agrees that some mercury from dental amalgams entering water will ultimately be absorbed into aquatic fauna and eventually enter human body through consumption of fish and other seafood products.

At AAdvanced Dental we employ specific amalgam removal protocol when replacing silver amalgam fillings.  This ensures that all of the removed material is vacuumed up, and mimizes the chance of contaminataion.  We also use amalgam traps that separate removed amalgam material from waste water before it is flushed down the drain. This generally has a removal efficiency of 95%.  Once these traps fill up a biohazard removal company safely disposes them in accordance with all applicable laws and regulations.

In our practice we recognize that ending dental mercury use and transitioning to non-mercury alternatives is the only way to eliminate this significant source of mercury that threatens our environment and ultimately our health.

About the Author:

Inna Shimanovsky, DMD and Aadvanced Dental is a 100% mercury-free general dental practice specializing in advanced cosmetic/reconstructive dentistry and extensive dental care services using the latest science and technology in a caring and pain free environment.