Mercury vapor emitted during ultraspeed cutting of amalgam.

Author: Cooley RL, Barkmeier WW.

Source: J Indiana Dent Assoc.

Year: 1978

Comment:

This article recommends protective measures for amalgam removal.

Abstract / Excerpt:

“This study has demonstrated that the removal of old amalgam restorations with ultraspeed instrumentation has the potential to increase mercury contamination of a dental treatment room. Dry cutting of amalgam produces a transitory, yet significant, increase in mercury vapor at the operator’s breathing level. This increase in mercury vapor can be controlled with the use of central vacuum evacuation or the use of water spray in conjunction with central vacuum suction.”

Citation:

Cooley RL, Barkmeier WW. Mercury vapor emitted during ultraspeed cutting of amalgam. J Indiana Dent Assoc. 1978; 57(2):28-31.