Air and Mercury Filtration in Wheaton, IL
Patient safety is at the center of everything we do at 20/32 Dental Co. in Wheaton, IL. Our office is equipped with advanced air purification and mercury-specific filtration systems that protect you, our team, and the environment — especially during the removal of old silver amalgam fillings. Dr. de la Fuente follows strict safety protocols for patients from Wheaton, Glen Ellyn, Carol Stream, and across DuPage County.
Why Air and Mercury Filtration Matters
Silver amalgam fillings — still present in millions of mouths — contain approximately 50 percent mercury by weight. When these fillings are removed or replaced, the drilling process generates mercury vapor and fine particulate matter that can be released into the treatment room air. Without proper containment and filtration, this poses a potential health risk.
At 20/32 Dental Co., we have invested in dedicated filtration technology to ensure that amalgam removal is as safe as possible — for you, for our team, and for the environment.
Our Filtration Systems
HEPA Air Purification
High-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters in our treatment rooms capture 99.97 percent of airborne particles as small as 0.3 microns. This includes mercury particulate, bacteria, viruses, and other contaminants — keeping the air in our office clean for every patient, not just during amalgam procedures.
Mercury Vapor Filtration
We use specialized mercury vapor filtration units positioned near the treatment area during amalgam removal. These units actively capture mercury vapor at the source before it can disperse into the room.
High-Volume Evacuation
A powerful suction system positioned directly at the tooth captures mercury particles and vapor the moment they are generated, dramatically reducing what enters the ambient air.
Amalgam Separator
All mercury waste is captured by an amalgam separator before it can enter the wastewater system. This protects the local water supply and complies with EPA regulations for dental mercury discharge.
Our Safe Amalgam Removal Protocol
When removing old amalgam fillings, Dr. de la Fuente follows a comprehensive safety protocol that includes:
- Rubber dam isolation to prevent swallowing or inhaling mercury particles
- High-volume suction placed directly over the tooth during removal
- External clean air or oxygen supplied to the patient via a nasal mask
- Mercury-rated room filtration running throughout the procedure
- Sectioning the filling into large chunks rather than grinding to minimize vapor release
- Copious water irrigation to cool the filling and suppress vapor
- Proper disposal of all amalgam waste through certified recycling programs
Mercury-Free Restorations
Once the amalgam is safely removed, Dr. de la Fuente replaces it with a tooth-colored composite filling or, for larger restorations, a custom ceramic inlay, onlay, or crown. These modern materials are mercury-free, biocompatible, and blend naturally with your smile.
Clean Air for Every Patient
Our HEPA air purification runs continuously throughout the day — not just during amalgam procedures. Every patient benefits from cleaner, filtered air during their visit, contributing to a healthier, more comfortable environment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Air and Mercury Filtration
When old silver amalgam fillings are drilled out, mercury vapor and fine particles are released. Without proper filtration and containment, these can be inhaled or ingested by the patient and dental team. Our filtration protocols capture mercury at the source and filter the surrounding air to minimize exposure.
Yes. Our amalgam removal procedures incorporate elements of the Safe Mercury Amalgam Removal Technique (SMART), including high-volume suction, rubber dam isolation, external air supply for the patient, mercury-specific filtration, and proper waste disposal.
When performed with proper safety protocols like those we follow at our office, amalgam removal is safe and well-tolerated. Dr. de la Fuente takes every precaution to protect you, our team, and the environment during the procedure.
We replace amalgam fillings with tooth-colored composite resin or ceramic restorations. These materials are mercury-free, aesthetically natural, and bond directly to the tooth structure for a strong, lasting result.
Your Safety Is Our Priority
We go beyond standard protocols to protect every patient. Schedule your visit at our Wheaton, IL office and experience the difference.
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