If you keep up with current health advice, you know that mercury is seriously dangerous. Most industries have stopped using mercury, but some mercury still lingers in surprising places, including in your mouth.
Before the health risks were discovered, mercury was a common component of dental fillings. Now, many patients are considering mercury filling removal to avoid the adverse health effects that come with mercury exposure.
So, how do you know if amalgam filling removal is right for you? And, if you have your mercury fillings removed, what will your dentist use to replace them?
We’ll share everything you need to know to make the safest choice for your health and show you how simple it is to replace your filling material with a safer alternative.
What’s in a filling?
Dentistry has been trying to perfect fillings for centuries, and the science has come a long way in the past 175 years. But mercury fillings are still used in the UK to this day, despite the health risks!
Thankfully, mercury fillings are officially a thing of the past — and for good reason. They’re terribly risky for your health (more on this below). That’s why we’re committed to replacing them with safer (and equally effective) filling alternatives.
Mercury fillings and amalgam fillings
Mercury fillings and amalgam fillings are one in the same! Mercury is one ingredient of amalgam fillings, which typically include silver, tin, and copper as well.
But mercury is the biggest ingredient, making up around 50% of dental amalgam fillings. If you have silver fillings, they’re made of mercury.
Contemporary fillings
Dentists now use either composite or resin fillings to replace metal fillings. Both materials have been proven safe for your health, and they’re incredibly strong. Plus, they’re white, so they more closely resemble your natural teeth.
Why should I remove mercury amalgam fillings?
Patients choose mercury amalgam removal because they’re worried about the health risks. And rightly so! Mercury fillings can cause:
Neurological risks, like impaired cognitive function, memory loss, tremors, and insomnia. It’s also tentatively been linked to Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease (research is still ongoing).
Reproductive and developmental problems for a developing foetus during pregnancy. Exposure could cause birth defects, developmental delays, and neurological impairments. Plus, mercury has been shown to affect male and female fertility.
Immune system suppression, making people more vulnerable to infection and more likely to develop autoimmune disorders (or, if you have an autoimmune disorder, mercury exposure can make your symptoms worse).
Kidney and respiratory problems, and skin rashes or reactions.
Mercury fillings are simply not worth the risk to your health!
What’s the safest way to remove mercury fillings?
If you’ve decided (wisely!) to remove your mercury amalgams, your Love-Teeth dentist will follow these steps to get that toxin out of your mouth as safely as possible:
- Safe amalgam filling removal starts with protecting you and our staff from mercury exposure. We use state-of-the-art safety equipment, like a rubber dam in your mouth and protective clothing, to ensure no one inhales mercury vapour as the fillings are removed.
- Next, your dentist will carefully drill out the old silver fillings, using a powerful vacuum and water to reduce the amount of mercury particles released into the air.
- The dentist will clean the filling area and remove all traces of mercury. Then, they’ll fill the tooth with a composite or ceramic filling material. Your dentist will properly dispose of your old amalgam fillings so they can’t contaminate landfills or water supplies.
- Finally, your dentist will give you aftercare instructions and book a follow-up appointment to be sure the site is healing as it should.
Amalgam removal costs
At Love-Teeth, removing your mercury amalgams is free! We don’t charge you for removing and disposing of mercury fillings. We only ask that you cover the cost of the new filling (usually about £150).
Should I replace them with ceramic or composite fillings?
The choice between ceramic fillings or composite fillings is up to you! But as your dental experts, we can offer this guidance:
Composite fillings are a bit cheaper
If you choose composite fillings, you’re choosing a cost-efficient option that offers long-lasting tooth protection if you care for the fillings correctly.
Composite fillings are less expensive because they’re made from a mixture of plastic and fine glass particles (as opposed to the more expensive ceramic option). They can be coloured to match the exact hue of your other teeth, and you can lighten them along with your natural teeth if you opt for cosmetic teeth whitening.
They’re durable, too! Composite fillings bond directly to your tooth, so they create a tight seal that will help you avoid future tooth decay.
Ceramic fillings are a bit stronger
Though composite fillings are strong, ceramic fillings are even stronger. They’re made from porcelain and other types of ceramics, and they’re extremely durable against wear and staining.
Like composite fillings, ceramic ones can be coloured to match your natural teeth. They’re practically invisible in your mouth.
This type of filling is more expensive, but many patients find the additional strength is worth the additional cost.
Book your mercury removal appointment
Removing amalgam fillings is fast and safe, and it could offer vital protection for your health. If you have more questions about whether this procedure is right for you, check out our mercury filling removal FAQs page.
And if you’re ready to get that mercury out of your mouth, book an appointment! Our dentists are here to help you establish a lifetime of excellent oral health, starting with a safer alternative to your amalgam fillings.
