Strictly speaking, the term "mercury-free" means that the dentist will not place the amalgam filling in the patient's teeth. The term was first used by dentists more than 40 years ago and they wanted to distinguish themselves from those who believed that amalgam was safe, and continued to put them in the patient's teeth. Their concern is based on the fact that mercury vapor is the most toxic natural substance on earth and it is constantly released from the amalgam filling.
However, the term mercury-free is never a truly accurate description, because even a dentist who has not placed amalgam fillings still has to remove it - and the removal process releases excessive and unnecessary toxic mercury vapors. But at the very least do not put amalgam fillings is a good start.
Over time, mercury-free dentists have developed protocols, procedures, and equipment that enable them to significantly reduce the exposure of patients to mercury during the clean-up process. In fact, the use of these agreements means that their approach is not only mercury-free, but also safe - but until the past few years, they continue to use the now inaccurate term "mercury-free" to describe themselves. Fortunately, things have changed, and the practice and promotion of dentists engaged in mercury and dental safety knows that when it comes to protecting patients, dentists, workers, and the environment from toxic mercury vapors, it is only Mercury-free is not enough - you must also be 'mercury safe'!
