Reinhardt JW, Boyer DB, Svare CW, Frank CW, Cox RD, Gay DD. Exhaled mercury following removal and insertion of amalgam restorations. Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry. 1983 May 1;49(5):652-6.
This study has shown that there can be measurable elevation in a patient’s level of expired mercury following the removal of a single amalgam restoration. That change appears to be small; lasts only briefly (10 minutes); and is completely avoidable through the use of procedures such as wet cutting, high-volume evacuation, and the rubber dam. The significance of repeated exposure to small amounts of mercury vapor is not entirely understood, but consideration should be given to techniques that minimize exposure to both patients and dental personnel.