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Do I Have to See a Holistic Dentist to Remove Silver Fillings?

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I have a bunch of silver fillings that I am uncomfortable keeping in my mouth. I spoke with my dentist and he said there is no point in removing them. I was a bit frustrated with that. I spoke to a friend who said she had the same problem with her dentist but that she went to a holistic dentist. I told my husband about that option, but he’s worried they are not legitimate dentists. Are holistic dentists my only option for getting rid of these?

Leslie

Dear Leslie,

Woman lying in a field of flowers

 

I smiled at your husband’s comment. Holistic dentists are simply general dentists who practice a specific philosophy of treatment. So, yes, they are legitimate dentists. In this philosophy, the dentist is not just focused on your teeth. Instead, he or she considers the impact on your entire body. Other general dentists (though not all) are willing to do that as well, even if they do not use the term holistic dentist.

You have two good options for getting your silver/amalgam fillings removed. The first is a holistic dentist. However, it is not your only option. You can also see a mercury-free dentist as well. They will be willing to exchange your fillings. The reason I suggest these two types of dentists is they will know the procedure that will safely remove your amalgam fillings.

I don’t know if you are aware that the largest ingredient in the silver fillings is mercury. Because this is a known toxin, they have to be carefully removed so that you do not inhale any mercury vapors or swallow any pieces.  There is a sanitary removal process and it will be important that it is followed.

The two types of dentists I mentioned above should both know the sanitary amalgam removal process. This should include a stopper dam, a vent to suck up mercury vapors, as well as some running cool water to keep the mercury from melting.

Who knows, in the process, you may actually find a new dentist, who does a better job of keeping up with the latest developments in their field.

This blog is brought to you by Hoffman Estates Dentist Dr. William Becker.

Do I Need a Holistic Dentist in Order to Remove Silver Fillings?

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I have quite a few silver fillings that I want to switch out for the newer white ones. However, my dentist said it isn’t a good idea to replace these. My sister goes to a holistic dentist and one of the first things they did is replace her silver fillings, which he called toxic. Should I switch to a holistic dentist for this?

Andrea

Dear Andrea,

Before and after mercury-free fillings

This is an important question so I am glad you wrote.  The first thing you should know is that holistic dentistry is more of a philosophy of treatment than it is a specialization. What I mean by that is you could not look up in your dental insurance book for holistic dentists and find them. However, there are probably many dentists on that list who hold to a holistic dentistry philosophy. In most cases, that means that they care about your whole body and not just your teeth. As a result of that, they will work hard to ensure nothing they treat you with will have a negative impact anywhere else in your body. For example, holistic type dentists will be much more willing to work around any material sensitivities you have.

Should You Replace Your Silver Fillings?

Dentists call silver fillings amalgam fillings. This is because they are an amalgam (ie. mixture) of several materials. The largest ingredient is mercury, a known toxin. Bear in mind that the American Dental Association still maintains these fillings are completely safe and they have been used for generations now. That being said, you can understand why so many patients are uncomfortable with the idea of mercury in their bodies.

If your fillings are old and showing signs of wear, you will definitely want to replace them. Other than that, it is up to you. However, be careful who you have do this. The two places that you have the most exposure to the mercury in these fillings are in their placement or removal. Because of that, you will want to make sure you go to a dentist who understands and has the equipment for a sanitary amalgam removal procedure.

In this case, your best options are probably someone who advertises as a holistic dentist, a metal-free dentist, or a mercury-free dentist. All three of these should be familiar with the steps necessary to keep you safe during the switch.

This blog is brought to you by Hoffman Estates Dentist Dr. William Becker.

 

Can I Whiten Teeth With Fillings?

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I have loads of composite fillings and a few amalgam fillings. I would like to whiten my teeth, but wondered if that is possible with all the fillings? On a separate note, would it be possible to switch out the amalgam fillings? If so, should I do that before or after the whitening?

Brittney

Dear Brittney,

before and after mercury free fillings

Let’s start with the amalgam fillings. You can switch them out. However, it requires a special procedure to ensure you don’t swallow or inhale any mercury or mercury vapors. I would only do that with a mercury-free dentist who knows how to do a sanitary amalgam removal. Mercury is toxic so you do not want to risk any ingestion.

If the amalgam fillings are leaky, I would switch them out before getting your teeth whitened. Otherwise, the teeth will be sensitive during the teeth whitening. If they are not leaky, you can do it either way.

Teeth whitening will not impact your fillings. However, it will not whiten them either. If any of them are visible, you will want to do the whitening first, and then have the composite filling replaced afterward to match the new whiter color. Just be certain to give it a week or two between the whitening and the replacement so the color has time to settle.

This blog is brought to you by Hoffman Estates Dentist Dr. William Becker.

Do Amalgam Fillings Stain Teeth?

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I have an amalgam filling that covers about 65% of a tooth. I’d like to switch it out for a composite filling for two reasons. One, I’ve heard they are better for teeth. Two, I think they would look better. I asked my dentist about switching them out and he said he doesn’t think that is a good idea because he said that amalgam fillings stain teeth. If so, is there a way to get rid of the staining?

Porcia

Dear Porcia,

before and after silver amalgam fillings

You have the right idea in both your reasons for wanting to switch out your fillings. While it is true that amalgam fillings can discolor your teeth a bit, dentists have removed many amalgam fillings to replace them with composite fillings and the composite fillings always look better. Always.

Plus, composite is bonded directly to your teeth, which will strengthen it rather than weaken it the way amalgam does.

My guess is your dentist is steering you away from switching them out because he hasn’t yet learned either how to place composites, how to safely remove amalgam fillings, or both. This is a common deflection tactic among dentists. They don’t know how to do a procedure so they make up a reason why you shouldn’t or will steer you toward a procedure they are more comfortable with. Some dentists feel patients will lose confidence in them if they admit they don’t know something.

However, I have always found that patients appreciate the frankness and will remain loyal to a dentist who looks out for their best interest even if it means sending them somewhere else for a single procedure.

Safely Removing Amalgam Fillings

Because the largest ingredient in amalgam fillings is mercury, you can’t just remove them without taking precautions. You’ll want to find a dentist who knows the procedure for sanitary amalgam removal. This will include having special equipment.

The two most common ways to find a dentist who can do that for you is by doing a search for either a holistic dentist or a mercury-free dentist.

One other comment. You mentioned that your filling took up about 65% of your tooth. This is too large for a filling. If that number is correct, you really should have been given a dental crown for that tooth. Once decay gets to 30% of a tooth, it is better for the patient’s tooth to be crowned.

This blog is brought to you by Hoffman Estates Dentist Dr. William Becker.

 

Is it Safe to Remove Amalgam Fillings?

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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,

before and after silver amalgam fillings

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.