Mercury Filling Removal
Transform your smile with natural-looking perfection.
Mercury Fillings Removal (Biological Removal of Amalgam) Explained
Mercury fillings removal is a dental procedure that is also known as dental amalgam removal.
Biological removal of dental amalgam requires a certain protocol which, when employed, ensures that when dental amalgam is removed from the mouth, it is done so in a biologically safe way. This reduces the risk of patients ingesting amalgam fragments or inhaling mercury vapor.
This requires certain steps, such as a charcoal pre-rinse and possibly detoxification supplements, a dedicated oxygen supply, application of a rubber dam and personal protection equipment and finally a high volume suction.
The Ministry of Health Singapore, does not make it compulsory for all dentists to remove dental amalgam for every patient in this biologically safe manner. Careful case selection, recommendations from a holistic medical doctor and the personal wishes of the patient still apply.
Invented in the year 1816, Dental amalgam is the most widely used dental filling material due to its durability and relatively low material cost. It is made of metal alloy – a mixture of tin, copper and zinc – dissolved in liquid mercury.
Mercury was used in dental amalgam as it is a solvent that allows for different metal particles to mix together. It is the only metal that is in a liquid state at room temperature. When first mixed, the liquid mercury allows the amalgam to be pliable enough to be packed into your cavity. Once the amalgam is fully hardened, it can withstand biting and chewing forces.
Some scientific research has shown that amalgam fillings can release low levels of mercury vapor over time. The mercury vapor can be inhaled and absorbed through the lungs. Brushing or grinding your teeth could cause more mercury vapor to be released, and an increasing number of people are starting to have concerns about Mercury fillings and their link to any potential harm to overall health.
Amalgam can also corrode within the tooth over time. The corrosion produces heavy metal-rich corrosion byproducts that discolor teeth and if the amalgam filling margins are no longer flush with the tooth , recurrent decay could develop in those areas.
Lastly dental amalgam is also known to expand in the tooth over time, causing a wedging effect on dental enamel and dentine . This could in turn cause teeth to crack and break apart over time.
“Removing mercury fillings is not just about dental aesthetics. It is a commitment to your safety and overall well being. As a dentist, for certain patients and when indicated properly, I advocate for SMART dentistry (safe mercury amalgam removal technique) to eliminate potential health risks associated with mercury exposure. It is my hope that this can promote a healthier metal-free smile for you.”
Book an appointment for mercury fillings removal.
Mercury Fillings Removal (Biological Removal of Amalgam) Benefits
The immediate benefits of removing mercury fillings are:
- Reducing potential risk of mercury exposure
- Improving overall smile aesthetics when replaced with a tooth coloured restoration
- Removing any potential sensitivities or allergies to dental amalgam
- Halting more damage to tooth structure by removing any recurrent decay
- Removing potential corrosion byproducts if any
Reduced Mercury Exposure:
Dental amalgam contains mercury. Removing it helps reduce exposure to mercury vapor, which may cause mercury toxicity. Fumes from the vapor can be harmful to the human body, especially for individuals with a poor immune system, or have certain health conditions.
Improved Aesthetics:
Amalgam fillings are silver in color and their corrosion products could discolor teeth badly, and their removal can contribute to a more natural and aesthetically pleasing smile, especially when replaced with tooth-colored alternatives.
Biocompatibility:
Some individuals may have sensitivities or allergies to the metals in dental amalgam. Removing amalgam fillings and replacing them with biocompatible materials may alleviate potential adverse reactions.
Preservation of Tooth Structure:
If dental amalgam with recurrent decay is carefully removed, further damage to healthy tooth structure is halted. This in turn helps to preserve what is remaining, and to also potentially avoid more aggressive treatment like root canal therapy.
Addressing Corrosion Concerns:
Dental amalgam can corrode over time, releasing corrosion byproducts. Removing amalgam helps eliminate this source of corrosion and may contribute to a healthier oral environment.
What are the long-term potential negative effects of mercury fillings on oral health?
While the long-term effects of mercury fillings vary from individual to individual, these are some of the common effects:
Corrosion and Discoloration:
Dental amalgam has the potential to corrode over time, leading to the release of corrosion byproducts. This may cause discoloration of the surrounding tooth structure.
Fractures and Cracks:
Amalgam fillings may contribute to the weakening of tooth structure over the years, increasing the risk of fractures or cracks in the tooth.
Sensitivity:
Some individuals may experience increased tooth sensitivity with mercury fillings, especially when exposed to hot or cold temperatures.
Potential Allergic Reactions:
Although rare, some individuals may develop allergic reactions to the metals in dental amalgam, leading to oral discomfort or other symptoms.
Potential harm to the rest of your body:
Although controversial, some scientific studies suggest that for a select group of susceptible patients, mercury fillings could have a negative impact on brain health, pregnancy, nervous system as well as potentially cause mercury poisoning.
Alternatives to Mercury Fillings Removal (Biological Removal of Amalgam) Benefits: Types of Dental Fillings
If you are looking to replace your old, worn down and leaking dental amalgams, the following are a list of dental filling materials that are commonly used in Singapore.
Case selection and proper indications and contraindications depending on the unique circumstances of a patient will always dictate which material is the most suited for a particular case.
- Direct Composite Resin
- Indirect Ceramic inlays or onlays
- Indirect Gold or Cast Metal inlays or onlays
- Direct Glass Ionomer
Mercury Fillings Removal at Elite Dental
At Elite Dental, we are a mercury-free dentistry that prioritizes your safety. When you book an appointment to remove your mercury fillings, and when determined to be suitable, we practice biological removal of amalgam to minimize exposure to excessive amounts of mercury.
Here are some of the steps we take to ensure your safety during the procedure:
| 1st Visit – Consultation | • Comprehensive oral examination and X-rays• Assessment of existing amalgam fillings (number, size, condition)• Medical history review, including allergies and sensitivities• Discussion of SMART protocol (Safe Mercury Amalgam Removal Technique)• Treatment planning and scheduling strategy• Special attention will be given to the 7-14-21 day immune cycles when scheduling appointments for mercury/amalgam removal• Cost estimates and insurance discussion |
| 2nd Visit - Removing the dental amalgam | After the isolation and numbing of your teeth, the amalgam fillings are then removed. A high volume suction removes the debris and vapor generated. Once the amalgam is removed, your teeth are rinsed with water, and then rinsed with an antiseptic solution.If you are going to replace the amalgam with an inlay or an onlay, a mold of the tooth is then made and transferred to the dental laboratory. A temporary filling will then be placed to protect your tooth in the meantime.If you have chosen to replace the amalgam with a direct composite resin (plastic) filling, this will be completed on the same day. |
| 3rd Visit: Fitting of ceramic inlay or onlay | Once your inlay/onlay is ready, the temporary filling will then be removed. The inlay/onlay is then permanently bonded to your tooth with a dental adhesive. Your bite will then be checked to ensure that it is balanced before we give the new inlay/onlay a final polish. |
| 4th Visit: Immediate Follow-up | • Final healing assessment• Bite evaluation• Patient comfort and satisfaction review• Long-term care instructions |
Mercury Fillings Removal Treatment Duration
A typical mercury amalgam removal procedure lasts about 1 to 2 hours, depending on the placement of the filling as well as the number of fillings that require removal.
Throughout the entire process, a mercury-safe approach is used. The primary objective of adopting a Mercury-safe approach is to minimize the use of drilling during the removal of the filling(s).
Amalgam is extracted in larger chunks with minimal drilling, thereby reducing the release of mercury vapors during the process. Following the removal of the amalgam(s), any remaining tooth structures will undergo thorough cleaning to eliminate foreign materials and decay before the installation of the new, biocompatible filling. Personal protection drapes and barriers will be either replaced or disposed of.
Mercury Fillings Removal Cost in Singapore
Dental amalgam removal cost starts from $350 – $500 per tooth.
Financing Mercury Fillings Removal
If you are thinking of heading to Elite Dental Group for your dental restoration without mercury, there are a few ways you can finance your treatment.
| Major Banks | We accept interest-free installment payments from all major banks. |
| Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) | We have existing collaborations with BNPL platforms like Atome, Pace, Hoolah and Grab PayLater to help reduce the upfront expenditure of your dental treatments. |
| Dental and Corporate Insurance | We are on multiple dental and corporate insurance panels to provide more accessible dental care to you. |
Why Should I Do Mercury Fillings Removal with Elite Dental Group?
Elite Dental Group is a mercury-free dental clinic in Singapore that offers a safe environment for the removal of mercury fillings. We understand your concerns associated with mercury fillings and their potential impact on your oral and overall health.
Our experienced team has been trained to follow the latest protocols, including a modified SMART (Safe Mercury Amalgam Removal Technique) protocol. This minimizes mercury exposure during the removal process. We utilize technologies and adhere to stringent safety measures to ensure a safe removal procedure.
Who will be doing Mercury Fillings Removal treatment for you at Elite Dental Group?
At Elite Dental Group, we pride ourselves on having clinicians who use the most advanced dental care technology tools available to provide preventative dentistry for your oral health needs.
Your mercury fillings removal treatment will be done by Dr Gerald Tan.
To view a full list of our dental clinicians who are able to provide specific dental treatment care for you, please refer to the list below:
| Dentists | Dental implants to replace broken, loosened and dislodged teeth. Wisdom tooth surgery for removal of wisdom tooth. | Dr Gerald Tan |
|---|---|---|
| | Dental fillings for dental caries and root canal treatment to restore the health of your teeth. | Dr Thira Wong |
| Dental Specialists | Oral Surgeons | Dr Lai Juen Bin |
| Dr Albert Lee |
Dentists
Dr Gerald Tan
- Dental implants to replace broken, loosened and dislodged teeth.
- Wisdom tooth surgery for removal of wisdom tooth.
Dr Thira Wong
- Dental fillings for dental caries and root canal treatment to restore the health of your teeth.
Dental Specialists & Oral Surgeons
Dr Lai Juen Bin & Dr Albert Lee
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Topics
Frequently
Asked
Questions
Got questions? We’ve got answers! Check out our FAQ section for common inquiries and helpful information to guide you.
Are dental amalgams safe?
In the long term, there are scientific studies that suggest dental amalgams can cause silent systemic and oral health problems.
Research in the scientific community indicates that amalgam fillings gradually emit low levels of mercury vapor. Everyday activities like tooth brushing and chewing further contribute to the release of mercury vapor, which is then inhaled and absorbed through the lungs.
Moreover, amalgam has a tendency to corrode within the tooth as time progresses, generating corrosion byproducts rich in heavy metals. These byproducts inhibit bacterial growth within the tooth.
According to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2018, there is no clear causal link between dental amalgam use and health problems in the general population.
Within the dental fraternity, discontinuing the use of dental amalgam completely is still controversial. The World Health Organization (WHO) and World Dental Federation (FDI) has suggested phasing out amalgam use gradually in accordance with the Minamata Convention.
Replacement of dental amalgams is done when severe damage, cracks, surface corrosion or marginal leakage with recurrent decay is present.
If you have been diagnosed with a metal allergy, contact sensitivity or lichenoid reaction inside your mouth to metals, keeping your amalgams may also be an issue.
Elite Dental Group is a mercury-free dental practice that works closely with holistic medical physicians who can run tests and bloodwork for such concerns. We also use mercury-free dental fillings and materials for our dental treatments.
How many mercury fillings can I remove at one go?
What is the difference between mercury fillings removal and mercury fillings replacement?
Mercury fillings removal and replacement differ in their end goals. Removal involves taking out the amalgam fillings without necessarily putting in new fillings. This might be done if the tooth has healed or if no filling is needed.
Replacement, on the other hand, involves removing the mercury fillings and immediately replacing them with alternative materials like composite resin or ceramic. Replacement ensures the tooth remains protected and functional.
The choice between removal and replacement depends on the condition of the tooth and your personal preferences. Both procedures aim to eliminate potential mercury exposure, but replacement also maintains the structural integrity and appearance of the tooth.
What are the potential risks of mercury filling removal?
Potential risks of mercury filling removal include temporary increased mercury exposure during the procedure, tooth sensitivity, and potential damage to the tooth structure.
There is a small risk of mercury vapor release during removal, which is why Elite Dental Group invests in training our staff on the proper safety protocols.
Some patients may experience post-procedure pain or sensitivity. In rare cases, removal might weaken the tooth, potentially leading to fractures or the need for more extensive dental work.
There is also a slight risk of allergic reaction to new filling materials if replacement is done. However, when performed by an experienced dentist following proper safety protocols, these risks are minimized.
What are the potential side effects during removal?
During mercury filling removal, potential side effects may include a metallic taste in the mouth, temporarily increased salivation, and mild discomfort or pain at the site of removal.
Some patients might experience short-term sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures. There is a possibility of inhaling small amounts of mercury vapor, which is why proper safety measures are crucial.
Rarely, patients might feel dizzy or nauseous, likely due to anxiety or the procedure itself. Most side effects are temporary and subside quickly. If you experience severe pain, prolonged bleeding, or any unusual symptoms, please contact your dentist immediately.
Is it worth removing mercury fillings?
The decision to remove mercury fillings is personal and depends on various factors. If your fillings are in good condition and you are not experiencing any issues, removal might not be necessary.
However, if you are concerned about potential mercury exposure, have cracked or worn fillings, or are experiencing symptoms you believe are related to your fillings, removal could be beneficial.
Removal can also be worthwhile for aesthetic reasons, as alternative materials like composite resin match your natural tooth color
Do I really need to remove my dental amalgams?
The necessity of removing dental amalgams depends on your individual situation. If your amalgam fillings are intact, in new condition and you are not experiencing any issues, immediate removal may not be necessary.
However, removal might be recommended if the fillings are worn,corroded, cracked, or causing symptoms. Some people choose removal due to concerns about potential long-term mercury exposure, even if the fillings appear fine. Others may opt for removal for aesthetic reasons.
The decision should be made in consultation with a dentist, considering factors like the condition of your fillings, your overall health, and your personal preferences regarding potential mercury exposure.
What are the benefits of choosing a mercury-safe dentist?
Choosing a mercury-safe dentist like our dentists at Elite Dental Group offers several benefits.
We are specially trained in safe mercury removal techniques, minimizing your exposure to mercury vapor during the procedure. We also use specific equipment like high-volume air filtration systems and provide protective barriers to prevent inhalation or ingestion of mercury particles.
Mercury-safe dentists often take a holistic approach to dental health, considering how oral health impacts overall wellbeing. We are knowledgeable about alternative filling materials and can guide you in choosing the best option for your needs.
Our dentists prioritize your well-being and are more aware of potential mercury sensitivities and can provide appropriate pre- and post-procedure care.
Are there any aftercare and dietary instructions I should follow after removal?
After mercury filling removal, you should generally avoid eating for a few hours and then stick to soft foods for the rest of the day. Avoid very hot or cold foods and beverages for a few days to prevent sensitivity.
Gentle salt water rinses can help with healing. Avoid smoking and alcohol for at least 24 hours. Some dentists and holistic medical doctors could recommend certain supplements or detox protocols to support your body in eliminating any absorbed mercury, but these should only be followed under professional guidance.
If you experience prolonged pain, swelling, or unusual symptoms, contact your dentist promptly.
Can I use insurance for mercury fillings removal treatment?
Can I use Medisave for mercury fillings removal treatment?
Can I eat after my mercury fillings are removed?
Yes it is possible to eat after your mercury fillings are removed. There are, however, a few tips that you should try to follow post-removal.
It is generally recommended to wait a few hours before eating. When you do eat, stick to soft foods and avoid anything too hot or cold for the first day. This allows time for any local anesthesia to wear off and helps prevent damage to the new filling or sensitive tooth.
Avoid chewing directly on the treated tooth for at least 24 hours. It is also best to avoid sticky, hard, or sugary foods for a few days. As always, try to follow the specific instructions of your dentist, as they may vary based on your individual case and the type of replacement filling used.
HOW CAN WE HELP?
Heading to a dental clinic can be a scary and almost overwhelming experience. If you have landed on our website, we would like to extend our warmest welcome to you and your family. There is nothing to fear!
Should you require further information about our costs of treatment, or are looking for recommendations for your needs, we invite you to a complimentary consultation with our dentists at a time of your convenience.
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