Remove My Amalgam Fillings Woodland Hills

Find out what to expect during your silver filling removal appointment. Dr. Pearl Zadeh, DDS in Woodland Hills, CA safely performs mercury amalgam removal.

A Step-by-Step Guide to Silver Filling Removal

Silver fillings, sometimes called mercury amalgam fillings, are no longer considered to be the best material for filling dental cavities. This is because they contain mercury, which is highly toxic to human health. If the fillings become damaged or broken, patients can be exposed to mercury vapors and may potentially swallow mercury particles. Plus, silver fillings detract from the natural beauty of a patient’s smile. If you’re thinking about getting your silver fillings removed, you’re certainly not alone! Plenty of people have made the switch to composite resin fillings, which are safer, do not contain mercury, and mimic the appearance of the natural tooth. Here’s what you can expect from the silver filling removal procedure.

Your Consultation with the Dentist

The first step in silver filling removals is a consultation with the dentist. It’s important that you work with a dentist who follows the silver filling removal protocols established by the International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology (IAOMT) and the Huggins Alliance. Don’t be shy about asking your dentist if he or she does so. You should also feel free to ask any questions you may have about silver fillings, the dangers of mercury, and the removal process.

During your consultation, the dentist will review your medical history and examine your silver fillings to make sure you’re a good candidate for mercury amalgam removal. It’s very important to tell your dentist if there are any changes in your health history, especially whether you are pregnant, could be pregnant, or are breastfeeding. As a safety precaution, the IAOMT does not recommend filling removal on patients who are currently pregnant or breastfeeding.

The Ventilation of the Office 

Any dental office that performs silver filling removal should be well-ventilated and feature an air ionizer system. This is critical for reducing mercury exposure for the patient and the staff. An air ionizer system features a two-part process that captures mercury vapors released by the fillings as they are being removed. In addition, the IAOMT recommends opening windows in the treatment room if possible.

The Use of Activated Charcoal

Some evidence suggests that a material with absorbent properties, such as a slurry of activated charcoal, may bind to mercury particles. This can allow any mercury particles that are swallowed to pass out of the intestines harmlessly. Patients may rinse and swallow this slurry about 10 to 15 minutes prior to silver filling removals. You can refuse this step if you wish. It’s optional since very little mercury can be absorbed through the intestines.

The Placement of Protective Barriers

Every person in the treatment room must be protected by gowns and covers. Although the dentist will use suction devices, some mercury particles can elude the suction and spread to clothing and skin. The dentist will drape your clothing and skin, including your face, with these protective barriers.

The Use of an Alternative Air Source

Not all dentists provide patients with an alternative source of oxygen. However, dentists who adhere to the IAOMT protocols know that this is necessary because of the risk of inhalation of mercury vapors and particles. You should have an oxygen cannula placed in your nose prior to the silver filling removal. Remember to breathe through your nose, rather than your mouth, throughout the procedure.

The Placement of a Dental Dam

If you’ve ever had a root canal or another dental procedure done, you’re probably already familiar with the rubbery dental dam. It’s composed of a sterile material that can be placed snugly over the tooth being treated. Its purpose is to isolate the tooth, keep it dry, and prevent particles from falling into the mouth. While mercury vapors can actually pass through the latex material, any mercury particles will become trapped so they cannot be swallowed.

The Chilling of the Fillings

Heat aids in the release of mercury during the silver filling removal process. And unfortunately, the process of removing the fillings does generate quite a lot of heat. That’s why your dentist will strive to keep the area as cool as possible using water and air.

The Use of Suction and Air Filtration

Mercury-free dentists often use a technique called “chunking.” This technique limits the amount of drilling required. The dentist will drill just enough to cut the filling into chunks, which can then be removed with suction or a hand instrument. During the chunking process, the dentist should place a dental air vacuum next to your mouth. Just as the name implies, this device vacuums the air to suction out the mercury vapors released as the dentist chunks the filling. The dentist should also use a high-volume evacuation (HVE) suction tip to capture the mercury particles and vapors.

The Cleanup

Dentists must exercise caution when finishing the silver filling removal procedure. The staff must immediately remove their gloves and put on fresh ones. The dental dam needs to be removed carefully, along with the protective barriers on your skin. Then, the dentist will thoroughly flush your mouth with water for at least 30 seconds, vacuuming continuously. It’s very important not to swallow any water during this process.

The Placement of the New Filling

Once the cleanup is complete, your dentist can remove the oxygen cannula. Then, it’s time to receive your new filling. You’ll likely want a composite resin filling, which the dentist will adjust to match the shade of your natural teeth to create a beautiful smile you’ll love! Before you leave the office, your dentist will have you bite down, and he or she will make any final adjustments to the size and shape of the new filling as needed.

Dr. Pearl Zadeh is a leading holistic dentistry provider in Woodland Hills, CA. She and her talented staff strictly follow the mercury filling removal guidelines established by the IAOMT and the Huggins Alliance. After all, Dr. Zadeh believes that nothing is more important than the health and safety of her patients.

If you have concerns about your silver fillings and you’re thinking about getting them taken out, you can call our friendly dental office at (818) 716-6722 to request a consultation.