I want to remove my silver fillings. It makes me nervous to have them. Yet, my dentist insists removing them isn’t safe. How can it be safe to keep them in but dangerous to remove them?
Laurie
Dear Laurie,
Removing amalgam fillings requires special knowledge and equipment. Without that, you risk inhaling mercury vapors or swallowing some bits of mercury. As this is a known toxin, that is not what you want to do. There is a specific procedure known as a sanitary amalgam removal. This can safely remove your silver fillings and allow your dentist to place them with mercury-free composite fillings.
It doesn’t sound like your dentist knows this procedure. It wouldn’t be safe for you to have him remove them. Instead, I’m going to suggest you look for a dentist who promotes themselves as mercury-free dentists. They will know the procedure.
You don’t have to switch dentists to do this. You can just get your fillings switched and then go back to your normal dentist. However, to me, it doesn’t sound like your dentist is keeping up with his industry very well. You may want to explore your options when it comes to your dental care.
A Cosmetic Consideration
If any of your fillings are in a visible place on your teeth, you may want to consider getting teeth whitening before you remove your old fillings. Once your white composite fillings are made the color won’t change. If you want them to match your teeth, you’ll want to get your teeth the color you want to stay with.
This blog is brought to you by Hoffman Estates Dentist Dr. William Becker.