Evaluation of systemic mercury levels after replacement of amalgam restoration

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of amalgam restoration removal with and without the use of a rubber dam in systemic mercury levels. The total sample was composed of 20 patients divided into two dependent sample groups: (a) patients before the restoration removal without rubber dam (GR1, n = 10) and the same GR1 group after the restoration removal (GR2, n = 10); and (b) patients before the restoration removal using a rubber dam (GA1, n = 10) and the same GA1 group after the restoration removal (GA2, n = 10). There was a statistical significant difference (p = 0.005012 and p = 0.009747). Patients had increased levels after dental restorations, regardless of the use of a rubber dam.