Mercury vaporization during amalgam removal
Using water spray coolant can reduce mercury vapor levels caused during amalgam removal and therefore lessen one source of ambient mercury vapor in the dental office. With wet cutting, mercury levels generally decreased as distance from amalgam cutting increased. Dry cutting caused similar levels of mercury vaporization when measured within 24 inches. A mercury-filtering mask (Mercury Vapor Respirator, Item No. 8707, 3M Co., St. Paul, Minn.) is commercially available and recommended for use during amalgam removal.
Exhaled mercury following removal and insertion of amalgam restorations
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.
Exposure to mercury and silver during removal of amalgam restorations
When the water spray was not used, the short time threshold limit values for exposure to mercury and silver were exceeded about 10 times. With water spray the mercury content was reduced to a level considerably lower than the threshold limit value, whereas the silver concentration slightly exceeded the corresponding limit.
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