A Personal Story from Dr. Trino Nuño

In 2017, I (Dr. Trino Nuño) was acutely mercury poisoned—and at first, I didn’t even know it. It was a typical busy day in Omaha at my dental office, filled with patients and procedures. That morning I had placed and removed several large mercury-amalgam restorations—the classic “silver fillings” that many of us were taught in dental school were safe and inert.

That day, I must have placed or removed nearly twenty teeth worth of amalgam. The sound of the handpiece, the mist, the amalgam sludge, the rhythm—it all felt routine. But this “routine” exposure nearly changed the course of my career and my life.

After finishing up that morning, I met my wife for lunch at a nearby restaurant in Omaha. As I sat down, I noticed something deeply unsettling: I couldn’t remember how I got there. I didn’t recall getting into my car or driving to the restaurant. I was simply there.

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The Moment I Realized Something Was Wrong

I felt strange—a heavy brain fog, mild dizziness, and a profound sense of fatigue. I told my wife I didn’t feel well and explained that I couldn’t remember arriving. She asked if I might be feverish or getting sick. I said no. My temperature was normal. I hadn’t had breakfast (which wasn’t unusual for me), but this didn’t feel like low blood sugar or fatigue.

It felt neurological. Something was off.

I remember taking deep breaths of that “fresh” city air in Omaha, trying to reset myself. But my head was cloudy, my coordination was slightly off, and a strange numbness overcame my body.

That day, I developed symptoms that are classic for acute mercury vapor exposure:

• Uncontrollable hand tremors (a terrifying symptom for a dentist)
• Brain fog and memory loss
• Difficulty with simple arithmetic and focus
• Mood swings and irritability
• A feeling of overall numbness

At first, I brushed it off—maybe I was stressed, dehydrated, or overworked. But when the symptoms didn’t fade quickly, I began retracing every moment of that day. That’s when it hit me: I had been working with mercury all morning long, without full protective measures for myself, my team, or my patients.

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The Hidden Danger of “Routine” Dental Mercury Exposure

Mercury is one of the most toxic naturally occurring elements on Earth. In dentistry, amalgam restorations are about 50% mercury by weight. When drilled, cut, or polished—especially without proper isolation and filtration—they release mercury vapor and micro-particulates that can be inhaled and absorbed through the lungs and even skin.

During dental school, we were taught that amalgam is safe because it’s “bound” within a stable alloy. The problem is that heat, friction, and time can release mercury vapors. When amalgams are removed improperly or placed, mercury exposure spikes dramatically—for both the dentist and the patient.

In my case, that morning of heavy amalgam work likely released enough mercury vapor to temporarily overwhelm my body’s detoxification systems, resulting in acute symptoms.

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The Journey Toward Healing and Education

I sought help from four dentists—two local in Nebraska and two out of state—and all confirmed my suspicion: my symptoms aligned with mercury exposure. I was frustrated and angry that this information wasn’t discussed more openly within the dental community.

Determined to learn everything I could, I flew to New York to study under a leading biological dentist, and soon after, I attended the IAOMT (International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology) annual conference. There, I learned about Safe Mercury Amalgam Removal Technique (SMART) protocols, biological dentistry principles, and how to protect both patients and dental professionals.

That was the moment MiBöca Dentistry began to evolve—toward a practice rooted in biological, evidence-based, and toxin-aware dentistry.

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What Is Biological Dentistry?

Biological dentistry respects the connection between the mouth and the rest of the body. It recognizes that dental materials and procedures can influence overall wellness, inflammation, and even the nervous system.

At MiBöca Dentistry in Omaha, our philosophy is simple:

“We will never place anything in your mouth that we wouldn’t want in our own.”

This means:

• Mercury-free dentistry—no new amalgam fillings.
• Mercury-safe removal—following strict IAOMT protocols with high-volume evacuation, rubber dam isolation, patient oxygen, and air purification.
• Patient-centered decision-making—you are always informed and empowered.
• Whole-body focus—we coordinate with your medical providers when needed.

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Amalgam Waste: The Environmental Cost of Dental Mercury

Beyond personal health, there’s another major concern that often goes overlooked: mercury pollution from dental offices.

When amalgam is drilled, waste particles are rinsed down the dental suction lines. Without proper filtration, these mercury particles can enter the public wastewater system, where they combine with organic matter and convert into methylmercury—a neurotoxin that contaminates rivers, lakes, and aquatic life.

This is not hypothetical. It’s measurable.

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), dental offices are one of the largest sources of mercury discharge into publicly owned treatment works. To combat this, the EPA enacted a federal rule in 2017 requiring most dental practices to install amalgam separators—devices that capture mercury-containing waste before it enters the sewer system.

Here in Nebraska, dental offices are obligated by state and federal law to have these separators installed and properly maintained. These systems can capture over 99% of mercury particles from dental wastewater.

At MiBöca Dentistry, we exceed these requirements:

• Our suction systems are equipped with EPA-compliant amalgam separators.
• We safely collect, store, and dispose of amalgam waste through certified hazardous waste carriers—never releasing it into Omaha’s public water supply.
• We regularly maintain and replace filters to ensure as close to zero environmental contamination.

This is not only about compliance—it’s about ethical responsibility. Our mission extends beyond our patients to protecting our community’s water, soil, and future generations.

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How Mercury Affects the Brain and Nervous System

Mercury vapor inhaled during dental procedures can cross the blood-brain barrier, meaning it enters the central nervous system directly. This is why neurological symptoms—such as tremors, brain fog, or memory issues—often appear first.

Studies have shown that mercury accumulates in the kidneys, liver, and brain, leading to chronic oxidative stress and inflammation. Even small, repeated exposures can have compounding effects, especially in sensitive individuals.

Common early symptoms of mercury exposure include:

• Tremors or muscle twitching
• Fatigue and malaise
• Cognitive impairment
• Insomnia or irritability
• Metallic taste in mouth
• Numbness or tingling in extremities

The good news is that with proper detoxification, nutritional support, and time, many symptoms can improve significantly—as mine did.

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How We Protect Patients and Team Members at MiBöca Dentistry

The day I was acutely mercury poisoned changed everything about how I practice dentistry. Today, every procedure at MiBöca Dentistry follows our “MiBöca Way”—a comprehensive approach grounded in prevention, protection, and compassion.

Here’s how we keep everyone safe:

1. Strict SMART Protocols – We use high-volume suction, rubber dams, separate oxygen sources for patients, and full-body draping for mercury removal.
2. Advanced Air Filtration – HEPA and activated charcoal air scrubbers remove vaporized mercury and particulate matter.
3. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) – Our team uses specialized respirators and protective garments during amalgam removal.
4. Patient Detox Support – We offer nutritional guidance and collaborate with local integrative health practitioners for post-removal detoxification.
5. Environmental Compliance – Our amalgam separators ensure we meet and exceed Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy (NDEE) and EPA standards.

We don’t just talk about safety—we live it every single day.

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Lessons Learned and Shared

The biggest takeaway from my experience is humility and awareness. I realized that we as dental professionals carry enormous responsibility—not only for our patients’ oral health but also for their whole-body health and the health of our ecosystem.

What started as a frightening episode of nervous system dysfunction in an Omaha restaurant has become a lifelong commitment to education, prevention, and advocacy.

If you are a dental professional reading this: please protect yourself, your staff, your patients, and your environment. Mercury is not a material to take lightly.

If you are a patient: know that you have a choice. You deserve dental care that values your overall well-being, not just your teeth.

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If You Suspect Mercury Exposure

If you’ve had multiple silver fillings or recent amalgam removal and are experiencing unusual symptoms like tremors, fatigue, or brain fog, it’s wise to consult with both your dentist and physician.

At MiBöca Dentistry, we can review your restorations, discuss safe removal options, and help you find clarity about your next steps.

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Conclusion: From Poisoning to Purpose

My acute mercury poisoning in 2017 was a painful but necessary turning point. It led to the creation of a practice that now serves the Omaha community with deeper awareness, scientific integrity, and love.

At MiBöca Dentistry, our mission is simple:

“To help every person love going to the dentist.”

That means protecting your body, your environment, and your trust. Dentistry can be safe, beautiful, and healing—and we’re here to prove it.

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📍 Locations:
MiBöca Dentistry — Ralston (402-331-0701) | Elkhorn (402-657-5143)
Serving Omaha, Lincoln, Norfolk, Fremont, Gretna, Papillion, Louisville, Benson, and Millard and all of Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, South Dakota, Colorado, Illinois, Wisconsin, Texas, Hawaii, and around the world. (Many patients commit to traveling for their health).

Related Reads:

Acute Mercury Poisoning in Omaha: What You Need to Know