Metal Amalgam Dental Filling Removal
Amalgam dental fillings, sometimes called metal fillings or silver fillings, are no longer recommended for new dental treatments thanks to advancements in adhesive dentistry, but many patients still have amalgam fillings in their teeth. With new technology for restorative dentistry now available, many patients ask if replacing their amalgam fillings is a good idea. Here are our recommendations for Alleman Center patients.
What are metal fillings?
Metal fillings, or amalgam fillings, are retentive fillings made of a combination of mercury, silver, tin, and copper. When decay is removed from teeth, the amalgam is filled into the cavity and held (retained) by the remaining tooth structure. This technique was pioneered by G.V. Black in the early 20th century as a conservative alternative to extraction for teeth experiencing decay or pain. While this was revolutionary in its time, dental research and new technology offers better alternatives for patients today.
Gold restorations vs amalgam restorations
Gold restorations, such as gold crowns or gold onlays, should not be confused with amalgam. Gold is an excellent enamel replacement option for patients looking for an alternative to composite or ceramic because its flexibility mimics the flexibility of a natural tooth.
Should amalgam fillings be replaced?
Many patients ask if their amalgam fillings should be replaced, whether due to the age of the restoration, symptoms or concerns about mercury. At the Alleman Center, we use a risk assessment that guides whether or not we recommend retreatment, for any restoration — amalgam, composite or ceramic.
Are you experiencing pain or sensitivity to cold or sweet foods currently?
Have you experienced pain or sensitivity to cold or sweet foods in the past?
We look for signs of caries (decay) or cracks around or under the restoration with x-ray imaging and high magnification
We assess the size of the restoration — larger restorations are more prone to failure because the remaining tooth structure is weaker
If you are experiencing symptoms now or have previously (even if symptoms have stopped), we recommend scheduling an appointment so we can resolve your discomfort. If you do not have symptoms but are concerned about an existing restoration, we use these tools to assess how likely the restoration is to fail, either by becoming separated from your tooth or causing the tooth structure around the restoration to crack or decay.
Some patients who are having teeth treated will elect to have old restorations in the same quadrant replaced at the same time. Switching old amalgam or composite restorations to biomimetic restorations can prevent decay and cracks from forming around poorly sealed fillings or crowns.
Ultimately, the choice is up to you, the patient. At the Alleman Center we provide you with the information you need to make the best dental health decisions for yourself.
Safe practices for amalgam filling removal
When working with amalgam fillings we minimize patient exposure to mercury by using rubber dam isolation and high suction. This minimizes exposure for the patient while creating a clean bonding field that is ready for a biomimetic restoration.
Amalgam filling removal at the Alleman Center
At the Alleman Center we offer amalgam filling removal as part of restorative treatment. There is not an additional charge for treating old amalgam restorations. After the amalgam is removed, the tooth’s vitality is checked and the remaining structure is examined for caries or cracks. Based on any pathologies and the health of the tooth, we will restore the missing tooth structure to mimic the form and function of a natural tooth.
Alternatives to amalgam fillings
Amalgam fillings, like traditional crowns, are retention form restorations, meaning the tooth is cut to a specific shape to hold the material that replaces the missing tooth structure. This requires teeth to be cut to a specific shape, often removing more tooth structure than necessary. Thanks to advancements in adhesive dentistry, we offer biomimetic dentistry that restores teeth based on their treatment needs. This conserves healthy tooth structure, protects tooth vitality and eliminates post-operative sensitivity.
For patients with questions about their dental health, contact us today to learn more about our services and to schedule an appointment at office@allemancenter.com or (801) 717-9860.
