Optimize Your Smile Health with Safe Removal of Mercury Fillings

Why should I remove my amalgam fillings?

• Mercury exposure concerns: Mercury vapor is released during chewing or grinding and accumulates in the body. While the amount is small, some patients are at risk of health problems associated with this. Many patients simply prefer to avoid the risk altogether.
• Cracked or worn-down fillings: Amalgam fillings expand and contract with temperature changes, often leading to cracks in the surrounding tooth structure. To avoid nerve involvement, it is wise to replace these fillings before the cracks migrate down the tooth root or to the nerve.
• Aesthetics: Amalgam fillings are silver in color and may be visible when you smile. Many patients prefer composites or ceramic alternatives for a more realistic appearance.

How are amalgam fillings removed?

• Protective equipment: You and our team wear protective gear. We provide you with the proper rubber dam, eye protection, and a nasal mask with clean air to avoid breathing in mercury vapors. You are covered head to toe to help avoid amalgam particles from getting on your face or clothes.
• Keeping the fillings cool during removal: Drilling your filling during removal generates a tremendous amount of heat, which increases the release of mercury vapors and particles. Cooling your fillings with copious water and air during removal reduces exposure.
• Cutting the amalgam into chunks: We minimize drilling to reduce mercury exposure. Instead, we cut the fillings into chunks, which can easily be removed with suction or a hand instrument.
• A high-volume evacuator: We use a powerful suction system near your mouth to trap mercury particles and vapors as we remove the filling. This prevents you from accidentally inhaling or swallowing any toxic materials.
• High-quality air filtration: We use advanced air filtration systems directly at your chin to remove airborne toxins and keep the treatment room air clean and safe during the procedure.
• Whole building filtration. In order to ensure whole building safety, the entire building air conditioning flows through approximately 100 pounds of activated carbon to sponge the air in the entire office and ensure it's clean.
• We do take "spec check" radiographs after removal to be certain no flake or spec has been missed. Our patients' health is paramount to us, so these X-rays allow complete certainty that all mercury amalgam is removed.
• An activated carbon swish is performed prior to amalgam removal and rubber dam placement
• Crack repairs are often performed after filling removal to strengthen a tooth.

Who offers safe amalgam removal services near me?