(480) 998-3923
Dental fillings have been the go-to solution for addressing cavities for quite some time, having evolved from the metal amalgam fillings of the past to the natural-looking ones of the present. However, some patients with amalgam fillings find themselves wanting an upgrade but are unsure about how the removal process works. Continue reading below to learn a little more about amalgam fillings, why they should be removed, and how your dentist can safely and quickly carry out this process!
What Are Amalgam Fillings?
If you received dental fillings in the not-so-recent past, you might’ve received metal amalgam fillings. These traditional, silver-colored fillings are made from a gray material called amalgam, which is a combination of different metal alloys. While they’ve seen a great deal of use over the years, dentistry has advanced and essentially left them behind due mostly to their undesirable appearance, combined with the possibility of particular oral health issues.
Why Should Amalgam Fillings Be Removed?
Amalgam fillings have had their time in the spotlight, but it’s usually best these days to have any of these fillings removed and replaced with a tooth-colored option made from composite resin. Metal fillings tend to shift around some as you age, and this movement can create tiny fractures in the teeth, weakening them. Small gaps can also form between the surfaces of the teeth and the edges of the fillings, which makes your teeth increasingly vulnerable to decay.
Amalgam fillings also often contain mercury, which can be toxic to humans. Over time, these fillings can emit tiny amounts of mercury vapor into the bloodstream—one way this happens is through bruxism, or teeth grinding. Although this amount is small, the idea of having any level of toxic substance in the body can be enough for many patients to seek removal.
How Are Amalgam Fillings Removed?
Generally, amalgam fillings are removed using the Safe Mercury Amalgam Removal Technique, often abbreviated as “SMART.” Using special equipment designed to safely filter out any mercury vapors, along with an advanced suction system that collects any amalgam particles, dentists can easily remove these fillings in a timely and stress-free manner. Once the filling is entirely removed and safely disposed of, you can receive a new, BPA-free composite resin filling that blends in seamlessly with your smile—and poses no threat to it, either!
About the Practice
The team at Shea Dental of Scottsdale has proudly served patients and families in the Scottsdale, AZ community for several years under the leadership of Dr. Josh Raiffe and Dr. Alan Siegel. They’re excited to offer a wide range of preventive, restorative, and cosmetic treatment options, including safe amalgam filling removal and replacement. If you have any questions about the blog or you’d like to schedule an appointment, feel free to contact the practice online or over the phone for additional information or assistance: (480) 998-3923.