“Mercury-free” is a common marketing term used by many dental offices today. What this term means is that the office, like ours, does not place amalgam fillings. The avoidance of mercury-laden amalgam fillings does not necessarily equate to the belief that mercury is detrimental to the health of the patient, dentist, and staff. Many mercury free dentists continue to handle amalgam, removing old fillings for replacement with newer, more durable materials. The issue here is that a mercury-free dentist will most likely use the standard protocol learned in dental school to remove this hazardous material. A “mercury-safe” dentist like Dr. Stopka recognizes the facts about amalgam:
- Standard removal with the drilling technique exposes everyone in the treatment room to mercury vapor.
- The amount of mercury that escapes during standard removal is significantly more than what is considered safe by government regulations.
- Any amount of mercury vapor is harmful to the health of everyone exposed.
- Standard protocol that does not use a separator allows unsafe amounts of mercury into the environment and into wastewater.
As your Burr Ridge oral health doctor, Dr. Stopka understands that mercury as well as dental infections negatively affect your health. We are proud to offer patients from Orland Park, Palos Heights, and surrounding areas mercury safe dentistry that meets their needs. If you have existing amalgam fillings that have cracked or that you simply do not want in your mouth any longer, you can feel confident that our removal protocol will safeguard your health. The methods used in Dr. Stopka’s amalgam removal procedure are those outlined by the International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology. Several precautions are taken when removing amalgam fillings. During your consultation in our welcoming dental office, you can learn about the various steps taken to remove amalgam fillings and why they are important to the safety of this procedure. We see beyond your smile and recognize the impact oral health will have on the body. Learn more about mercury safe dentistry in Burr Ridge when you call (630) 756-5844.
Dr. Janet S. Stopka brings over 32 years of expertise in biological dentistry, earning the trust of her patients through compassionate, patient-centered care. A 30-year member and past president of the International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology (IAOMT), Dr. Stopka is a recognized leader in mercury-safe dentistry. Her dedication to utilizing advanced technology ensures the highest standards of safety and precision. An Air Force veteran, she combines her extensive experience with a deep commitment to patient well-being, solidifying her reputation as a trusted authority in holistic dental care.
