Dentist in Fort Lauderdale, FL uses a safe protocol for amalgam removal

As research advances and information about the effects of mercury have come to the forefront in recent years, patients have become more concerned about the negative effects that old amalgam fillings may be having on their bodies — and for good reason. Amalgam fillings contain mercury, which is considered the second most toxic substance on earth. For patients who are seeking alternatives to their old amalgam fillings, Dr. Yolanda Cintron, dentist in Fort Lauderdale, FL, offers a safe and stringent protocol for amalgam removal.

Mercury toxicity

Dentists used amalgam fillings for decades because the material was cheap and easy to use, but unfortunately, this came at a cost to patients’ health. Simply put, mercury is not something that we should ever place in our bodies. It is considered a major health concern by both the Environmental Protection Agency in the United States, as well as the World Health Organization. The reason mercury is so harmful is that it is toxic to the peripheral and central nervous systems in the human body. Studies have linked mercury to a wide range of serious – and sometimes deadly – health issue, such as:

• Dementia and other cognitive problems
• Tremors
• Memory loss
• Motor dysfunction
• Kidney problems
• Digestive system issues
• Respiratory problems
• Vision changes
• Insomnia
• Headaches

Safe protocol for amalgam removal

Dr. Yolanda Cintron is here to help patients in the Fort Lauderdale area who are interested in having amalgam fillings removed from their teeth. Because of the toxic effects of mercury and the potential to expose both the patient and dental team to harmful vapors and materials during the removal process, it is imperative that you work with a dentist who is experienced and has stringent protocols in place to protect you during the removal process.

Dr. Cintron has developed a unique 26-step protocol to safely and effectively remove amalgam fillings using a combination of the recommendations from the International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology (IAOMT) and Dr. Hal Huggins. This includes:

• Educating patients on the steps we will take so they are well-informed about the procedure
• Using a non-latex rubber dam to isolate the tooth (or teeth) being treated
• Placing a liquid dam in the mouth to prevent the harmful mercury vapors from permeating your oral cavity and other tissues
• Providing oxygen masks throughout the removal process that ensure a source of clean, pure air that is free from mercury
• Taking special precautions to keep the amalgam cool throughout the procedure and using specialized tools to cut the amalgam filling into large pieces, which minimizes the heat and friction that can cause extra mercury vapors to be released
• Employing a powerful suction system to remove mercury particles and vapors throughout the procedure
• Using an Argentyn 23™ laser to eradicate the harmful bacteria, fungi, and viruses that can flourish beneath amalgam fillings

These are just a few of the precautions that we take to keep you and our staff safe during the mercury filling removal procedure. If you have any questions about the purpose of any step of the protocol, don’t hesitate to ask!

Biocompatible amalgam alternative

After your amalgam filling is removed, the tooth will need to be restored with a new, healthy material. Dr. Cintron uses composite fillings, which are a biocompatible material that does not cause toxic reactions in the body.

An added benefit is that this material is tooth-colored, which means that your new restoration is not only good for your body, but also great for your smile! No one will be able to notice that you have a filling in your tooth as it blends in seamlessly with the rest of your smile.

Call us to learn more

If you have old amalgam fillings and are concerned that they may be impacting your health, we encourage you to call Dr. Yolanda Cintron’s dental practice to schedule a consultation. She can walk through the steps of amalgam removal in detail with you and answer questions you have about the procedure so that you are confident in making a decision about whether to move forward with the procedure. Dr. Cintron has received a Certificate of Accreditation from the IAOMT and is devoted to providing each patient a safe and healthy smile through procedures such as mercury removal. Call our Fort Lauderdale, FL office today at (855) 381-6001 to schedule your appointment!