Amalgam filling removal

[Sepabding]

Hi,

About 5 days ago, I had to get an amalgam filling removed due to a cavity that was formed under it. the dentist did not follow the SMART protocol. She did used water spray and suction, but nothing else. The filling was relativley large. but it took her like less than 10 minutes to remove the old filling. I realize now that I was exposed to a good amount of mercury, particuarly through inhaling it, but what are the real risks? are these exposures acceptable and common? My concern is long term and potential future neurological issues.

 

[Gordon]

You are at absolutely zero risk. There has never been any link found between amalgam fillings and any health issues in humans.

We're moving away from it as a filling material because there are better ones available, not from any health concerns for patients.

 

[Sepabding]

Thank you for your reply and re-assurance. I would say that I am not much worried about having the amalgam fillimg itself, I am just worried about the procedure of removing it which I went through and not enough precautionary steps were taken by my dentist other than using a suction and water spray. I was just wondering if that put me in a big mercury exposure risk and if it is something to worry about.

 

[Gordon]

Since there is no risk from removing the old filling, then no "precautionary steps" are needed. You have nothing to worry about.

If you think about it, us dentists are getting a face full of old amalgam fillings, multiple times daily for many many years and yet, we're not dropping like flies are we, despite our cumulative exposure being literally tens of thousands times the general population...

 

[krlovesherkids777]

This makes so much sense the way you put this Gordon. I do think there's a lot of fear factor regarding this. You just put it really into perspective. Thanks