Abstract
Mercury is produced and drained into the environment by removing dental amalgams, which may cause mercury pollution. This study aimed to clarify the mercury amount remaining in the oral cavity and inside the drain system after removal. The effects of the removal conditions and differences in drainage systems were also investigated. Dental amalgams filled in the tooth and placed in a phantom head were removed using an air turbine under several conditions (two removal methods, absence of cooling water, and intraoral suction). Then, the oral cavity was rinsed with 100 mL of water (oral rinse water), and 500 mL of water was suctioned to wash the inside of the drainage system (system rinse water). Both water samples were collected in two ways (amalgam separator and gas-liquid separator), and their mercury amounts were measured. It was found that the amount of mercury left in the oral cavity and drainage system after dental amalgams removal could be reduced when the amalgams were removed by being cut into fragments as well as using cooling water and intraoral suction. In addition, using amalgam separators can significantly reduce the amount of mercury in the discharge water and prevent the draining of mercury into the environment.
Highlights
Dental amalgams were used in daily clinical practice because of their ease of use, long-term performance, and high economic efficiency for a long time [1,2]
In the oral rinse water, the greatest value showed in the conditions of values standard mercury amount in condition each condition are
To minimize the effect of the mercury vapor produced by friction heat during dental amalgam removal, we investigated a non-clinical removal method of “block system”, in which the tooth structure surrounding the dental amalgam was cut, not touching the bur to the dental amalgam
Summary
Dental amalgams were used in daily clinical practice because of their ease of use, long-term performance, and high economic efficiency for a long time [1,2]. Some dental amalgam components have been reported to cause hypersensitivity reactions [2,3,4,5]. Kallus and Mjör found oral lichenoid reactions in the oral mucous membrane adjacent to dental amalgams [7], and that oral lichenoid reactions might correlate with allergic sensitivity caused by mercury and mercury compounds [8]. Some studies have shown that lesions can be improved by removing dental amalgams [9,10,11,12]. Kusumawardani et al assessed patient satisfaction with composite resin and amalgam restorations [13]. Most patients preferred composite resin restoration due to the aesthetics. Dental amalgams are metal materials; the color significantly differs from that of natural teeth. Considering the aesthetics, removing dental amalgam restorations and replacing them with other esthetic materials are necessary [8]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
