Safe Mercury Removal

As a holistic dentist, Dr. Chow and his entire staff are very interested in seeing that your dental treatment is done with an eye toward your whole body health. This means performing dental treatments that are as non-invasive, painless, and non-toxic as possible. A patient in pain will begin to avoid needed treatments, resulting in worsening oral health. Toxic elements can have a bad effect on other parts of the body, causing adverse reactions and conditions.

Dr. Chow is a firm believer in non-amalgam fillings as part of his holistic philosophy and practice. As a mercury-free dentist, he only uses porcelain or resin materials for fillings, which are an excellent alternative to amalgam. In addition, he's also a mercury-safe dentist, meaning he follows exact guidelines for removing amalgam fillings so there is no or minimal mercury leakage. Not all dentists do. You need to see Dr. Chow for the most thorough and among the best safe mercury removal Thousand Oaks has to offer.

Why is Mercury Bad?

Amalgam fillings, those silver-colored metal restorations that dentists have used for many years, contain mercury. There is evidence that points to the association between mercury exposure and several physical maladies. An amalgam filling will release mercury vapor every time pressure is applied to one, as in chewing. The vapor invades the bloodstream and is thought to cause or accelerate inflammation that is occurring in the bodies of some patients. Mercury has been associated with conditions such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and a lowered immune system, among others.

Holistic Dentistry Explained by Dr. Albert Chow

Meet Dr. Albert Chow at ModelSmile Dentistry

Removing Amalgam Fillings Safely

It's not enough to just remove amalgam fillings. To be considered a mercury-safe dentist, Dr. Chow goes the extra nine yards by following strict protocols when removing these mercury-containing fillings. Just removing them will cause mercury vapor to be released, which is toxic to the patient, the doctor, the staff, and the environment. By following strict protocols, Dr. Chow will ensure that his procedures result in safe mercury removal. Removing an amalgam filling can be done by cutting the filling and dislodging it, or it can be ground away with a drill. Of course, either of these procedures will release mercury vapors.

Dr. Chow is very careful to evacuate the particulates and vapor with a high volume evacuator so they don't get into the throat or saliva. Further, the evacuated particles must be captured with a special system so they don't get into the environment or wastewater. There are also other tools he can use to further isolate the tiny particles of amalgam and harmful vapor in order to dispose of them properly. In the interest of delivering the best safe mercury removal Thousand Oaks has available, Dr. Chow takes all the necessary precautions to be sure you aren't further exposed to mercury vapor during the removal process. He doesn't take chances with mercury exposure to you, himself, or his staff.