Acute mercury poisoning occurs when a person inhales or ingests a large amount of mercury vapor or particles in a short period of time. In dentistry, this can happen when amalgam fillings are drilled or removed improperly—releasing mercury vapor into the air.
Mercury is highly toxic to the nervous system, kidneys, and brain, even in small doses. Because symptoms can appear gradually, many people don’t realize they’ve been exposed until days later.
Common symptoms may include:
If you experience these symptoms after dental work or suspected exposure, seek immediate medical attention. The priority is to stabilize your body and prevent further exposure.
Dental amalgam (“silver”) fillings contain about 50 % mercury. When freshly placed and drilled out improperly, this mercury can release vapors that affect the body—and the waste material can also pollute the environment.
In fact, amalgam waste is considered hazardous and must never enter Omaha’s public water system. Because of this, all Nebraska dental offices are required by law to install amalgam separator devices that capture over 99 % of mercury particles before wastewater leaves the building.
At MiBöca Dentistry, we go beyond compliance by:
Once you’ve stabilized medically, it’s important to work with a dental team trained in mercury-safe removal and biological restoration. Traditional removal without protection can re-expose you and worsen toxicity.
At MiBöca Dentistry, we:
📍 Ralston: 402-331-0701
📍 Elkhorn: 402-657-5143
We proudly serve Omaha, Papillion, Gretna, Louisville, Benson, and Millard—helping every patient experience safe, biological, and mercury-free dentistry.
Looking for a career with MiBöca Dentistry? Click the link to learn more: MiBöca Careers
© I.P.A Lincoln 2025
5305 S. 96th Street
omaha, Nebraska
17925 Barker court
Suite 100
omaha, Nebraska
(402) 331-0701
(402) 657-5143
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