According to the IAOMT, all metal fillings contain approximately 0 % mercury.
At your consultation, your doctor examines your existing metal fillings and determines if they need to be replaced. If they are in good condition and do not pose a threat to your health, your doctor may recommend they stay in place. In most cases, though, it is beneficial to have them replaced with safer, biocompatible materials.
During your filling removal, your doctor wears protective covers, and you are protected with a drape as well. A high vacuum filtration system is present in the operatory to remove any mercury vapor produced from the removal of your silver fillings. These safety protocols set SMART removal apart from standard amalgam removal procedures.
To ensure you do not inhale any harmful vapors, you breathe oxygen through a face mask throughout the duration of the procedure. Your doctor also places a dental dam in your mouth to seal off the area being worked on, providing an additional layer of protection.
Once all precautionary measures are in place, your dentist begins removing the metal amalgam fillings with a precise drill, suction, and water. The careful technique minimizes mercury vapor release during the removal process.
After the metal filling has been removed, your doctor gives you a slurry of charcoal and water to rinse with. By rinsing with a slurry, the charcoal absorbs any potential residual amounts of metal that may have entered your mouth.
Finally, your tooth is filled with a durable composite filling where the metal filling once was. Composite fillings preserve the structure of your tooth while also enhancing its overall appearance, contributing to a healthier, more aesthetically pleasing smile.
Metal fillings can appear dark and unsightly in your smile. Even when placed in the rear teeth, they can still be visible when you laugh, smile, and speak. By replacing these metal fillings, patients can enjoy the aesthetic benefits of natural-looking tooth colored composite fillings.
Studies have shown some cases of mercury poisoning have been linked to depression and other mental health issues. While rare, these potential outcomes can be avoided by removing the presence of mercury in your mouth. In some cases of mercury poisoning due to inhalation or ingestion of mercury vapor, insomnia, irritability, anxiety, and social withdrawal have occurred.
In addition to negative mental health correlations, studies have shown mercury in the bloodstream can lead to chronic and long term illnesses such as Alzheimer’s, cardiovascular problems, and renal dysfunction.
Modern composite fillings adhere better to the teeth than traditional metal fillings do. This means composite fillings require the removal of less tooth enamel than metal fillings. For this reason, many dentists recommend replacing a metal filling that has failed with a composite filling to preserve as much of the natural tooth structure as possible. This keeps your teeth healthier and stronger in the long run.
Mercury was used in metal fillings until 2009.
The length of the procedure varies based on each patient’s unique needs. The size and amount of metal fillings being removed affects the length of the procedure. However, it usually takes about the same amount of time as having a filling placed per tooth.
In some cases your metal filling removal may be covered by your insurance if it is determined to be a necessary treatment as opposed to an elective one. If you are looking to have your metal fillings removed for cosmetic reasons alone and they are deemed to be in good condition and not posing a threat to your health, you may incur some out of pocket fees. We offer flexible financing options to help make treatment accessible. Contact our office to discuss your options.
In most cases metal fillings need to be removed. This is usually due to the age of the filling. Now, most dentists use composite fillings so it is likely if you have a metal filling, it may be failing. This can lead to additional tooth decay, so it is important to have your fillings checked during regular dental visits to see if they are functioning properly. On top of any potential tooth decay, it is usually safer to have metal fillings removed proactively to lessen the risk of developing mercury poisoning and its side effects in the future.
As you brush, chew, and clench your teeth, your metal fillings could be releasing harmful mercury vapor.
