What is an amalgam filling?
Amalgam is the traditional silver-colored filling material that has been used in dentistry for decades. Dental amalgam is made from a combination of metals, including silver, copper, tin, and mercury. Today, many patients are interested in replacing old amalgam fillings with tooth-colored, mercury-free restorative materials when replacement is clinically appropriate.
Should I have all of my silver fillings removed?
Not necessarily. If an amalgam filling is healthy, intact and functioning properly, removal isn't automatically necessary. At Comfy Dental Studios, we evaluate each tooth individually. We look for recurrent decay, cracks, failing or leaking restorations, and how much healthy tooth structure remains. Our philosophy is simple: preserve healthy tooth structure whenever possible.
Why might my dentist recommend amalgam removal?
There are several reasons your dentist may recommend replacing an amalgam filling. It could be because the filling is failing, there is decay underneath it, the tooth has cracked, or the restoration is no longer providing adequate support. Some patients also have concerns about metal exposure or have been found to have elevated levels of certain metals. In those situations, your dentist may recommend an individualized evaluation to determine whether amalgam replacement is appropriate for you.
What makes your amalgam removal different?
When amalgam removal is appropriate, we use careful isolation and evacuation techniques designed to minimize exposure to amalgam particles and vapor during the procedure. We isolate the tooth with a rubber dam, provide supplemental oxygen for inhalation, and use high-volume evacuation and suction throughout the procedure. We also use water cooling during removal to help control heat and debris.
Why do you use a rubber dam?
The rubber dam isolates the tooth we're treating from the rest of the mouth. It helps create a controlled treatment environment and helps prevent restorative debris and materials from spreading throughout the oral cavity.
Why do you provide supplemental oxygen?
As part of our office protocol, we provide supplemental oxygen for inhalation during amalgam removal. Combined with our isolation and high-volume evacuation techniques, this allows us to create a carefully controlled environment while the amalgam is being removed.
Why is high-volume suction important?
High-volume evacuation is an important part of our amalgam removal protocol. It continuously removes water, debris and aerosolized material from the treatment area while we're working.
What is biomimetic dentistry?
Biomimetic dentistry is an approach that focuses on preserving and restoring the natural tooth as conservatively as possible. Rather than unnecessarily removing additional healthy tooth structure, we focus on maintaining the tooth's natural structure, function and biomechanics whenever possible.
What do you replace amalgam fillings with?
That depends on the individual tooth. We consider the size and depth of the restoration, the amount of healthy tooth structure remaining, your bite and the overall condition of the tooth. Depending on those factors, we may use a tooth-colored composite restoration or another appropriate restorative option. The goal isn't simply to replace a silver filling with a white filling. The goal is to restore the tooth while preserving as much healthy natural structure as possible.
Is amalgam removal right for everyone?
No. That's why diagnosis comes first. If your filling is healthy and functioning well, there may be no reason to remove it. But if the restoration is failing, there's recurrent decay, the tooth is cracked, or there are other clinical or individualized reasons to consider replacement, we can discuss your options.
What should I look for when choosing a dentist for amalgam removal?
Ask your dentist how they isolate the tooth, how they manage particles and aerosols, what type of suction they use, what safety measures they have in place, and what restorative materials they recommend afterward. And most importantly, ask whether removal is actually appropriate for your individual teeth.
At Comfy Dental Studios, we're not just removing a filling. We're looking at the whole tooth and asking: How can we preserve what's healthy, remove what's compromised, and restore the tooth as conservatively as possible? If you're considering replacing your old silver fillings or want to learn whether biomimetic amalgam removal is right for you, schedule a consultation with us at Comfy Dental Studios in Beverly Hills.