Do you have mercury fillings or dental amalgam that is starting to look dark or turn black? Do you want to have your mercury fillings removed for other reasons? In the guide below, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about mercury filling removal.
Did you know that 46.8% of the total elemental mercury in the US gets used to make dental amalgam fillings? It means that dental amalgams take up the largest percentage of elemental mercury. However, mercury fillings pose a huge health risk to the people who get them.
If you’ve had mercury fillings placed in your teeth before, you may want them removed now. Keep reading to learn why you need to remove your mercury fillings. We’ve also included some tips on how to find the right dental clinic for mercury filling removal.
What Is Mercury Filling?
People with mercury fillings need to have their fillings removed. Before we discuss this reason, you must first learn why mercury fillings still get used today. Mercury filling or dental amalgam is a type of dental filling material for cavities.
It is a very strong composition, containing 50%-60% of elemental liquid mercury. It also contains a mixed powder of silver, tin, copper, and small amounts of zinc, palladium, or indium. The liquid mercury binds the powder made of alloys together and reinforces it.
Why Is It Important to Remove Mercury Fillings?
When mercury filling first came to the US in 1830, patients complained of its harmful effects. The US dental association at the time declared the use of dental amalgam to be malpractice. Since then, its controversial effects have made many people skeptical about mercury filling.
If you have mercury in your teeth, you’re always at risk of absorbing mercury vapor. Mercury vapor can come out from brushing, cleaning, chewing, clenching, and more. From various studies, we can find evidence of the harmful effect of mercury fillings.
Some severe health effects include liver issues, chronic fatigue, oral cancer, and miscarriage. The lighter effects of mercury fillings are headaches, weight loss, and mood changes. You may also experience depression, hearing loss, allergies, and hallucinations.
Why Do People Still Use Mercury Fillings Until Today?
For a long time, mercury filling was the only type of dental filling available to the public. Other than its durability, dental amalgam can last a decade and is affordable. It also has antibacterial properties, and the people who use it don’t feel adverse health effects.
When Do You Need to Have Mercury Fillings Removed?
Let’s say you’ve used mercury fillings, and you’ve only now read about its dangers. Now, you want to have your dental amalgam removed. The bad news is that you can’t get mercury tooth fillings removal any time you want.
You first need to find a dentist who has the certifications for mercury filling removal. The dentist will then examine your teeth and amalgam filling. He or she may also ask about your lifestyle first.
After considering these factors, you must wait for a recommendation for removal. Patients who are expecting or have given birth must wait until it’s safe to remove their fillings. When you get cleared, only then can you get dental amalgam removed.
Risks Involved in Removing Mercury Filling
Not everyone needs to get their mercury fillings removed. In some cases, the removal of mercury fillings may put you at more risk than leaving them in. There is no scientific evidence that shows your health will improve when you replace it with another filling.
Only people who have high mercury levels in their blood should get their amalgam removed. You also become eligible for the removal procedure if you’ve had the filling for decades. If you feel the adverse effects of mercury exposure, you must get amalgam removed.
Finding a Dentist to Remove Your Dental Amalgam
If you want to get your mercury fillings removed, look for a dentist who uses the SMART method. In other words, look for a SMART-certified dentist. SMART stands for Safe Mercury Amalgam Removal Technique.
The International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology (IAOMT) created this process. It’s the most recommended and safest method of mercury removal. It protects both the patient and the dental healthcare professionals from mercury exposure.
Procedure: How to Remove Mercury Fillings Safely
The procedure of removing mercury from a cavity is quick and simple. It starts with the check-up and evaluation of the tooth and patient. After getting clearance, the next step is the actual mercury filling removal.
The preparation begins with a rubber dam placed in your mouth. This will keep any debris from going down your throat. It will also help you breathe without inhaling mercury vapor.
Next, your dentist may use the cut and chunk method. He will cut the amalgam and then remove it in chunks. This is the safest method that presents the least exposure to mercury vapor.
To remove the fillings, the dentist will use high-volume suction. It will remove the mercury chunks and vapor from your teeth and mouth. They will then use a vacuum to rinse your mouth.
After that, the dentist will purify the air in your mouth to remove all mercury vapor traces. When that’s done, the final step is to place the new and safer filling.
Look for dental clinics that offer holistic amalgram removals for the best experience.
How Much Do Mercury Fillings Removal Cost?
Amalgam removal will differ depending on some factors. These include the:
- Age of the filling
- Number of fillings
- Size of the filling or fillings
- Location of the mercury filling
You can expect to pay around $250 per tooth. In some cases, you can spend only $115 or up to $300 for each tooth.
When You Need to Get a Mercury Filling Removal
Now, you know what gets involved in mercury filling removal and how it’s done. If you’re considering getting your mercury fillings removed, find the right dentist. For one, you can check out this dentist in Decatur.
To learn more about dental fillings and procedures, check out our other guides now.
