Mercury-free dentistry and amalgam
Choosing mercury-free restorations, what the FDA says about existing amalgam fillings, and when replacement is or is not indicated.
- Mercury-free dentistry and amalgam
Sensitivity after an amalgam replacement: what should be reassessed?
Some sensitivity to cold, sweets or chewing is common for days to a few weeks after an old amalgam is replaced, because the tooth was drilled, dried and bonded close to…
- Mercury-free dentistry and amalgam
Replacing silver fillings with composite: the real trade-offs
Composite (tooth-colored) fillings bond to the tooth, usually need less drilling for a new cavity, match tooth color and can often be repaired rather than replaced. In…
- Mercury-free dentistry and amalgam
Mercury exposure during amalgam removal: what your dentist should explain
The explanation should come before any drilling starts. An intact amalgam ("silver") filling releases low levels of mercury vapor, and cutting one out briefly raises…
- Mercury-free dentistry and amalgam
What the FDA says about amalgam fillings for higher-risk groups
In September 2020 the FDA recommended that certain groups avoid getting new dental amalgam ("silver") fillings whenever possible and appropriate, and use non-mercury…
- Mercury-free dentistry and amalgam
Silver fillings when you are pregnant, nursing or planning a pregnancy: what the FDA advises
Usually no. The FDA lists pregnant people, those planning a pregnancy and nursing parents among the groups it advises to avoid new amalgam fillings where possible, but…
- Mercury-free dentistry and amalgam
Replacing amalgam fillings: precautions and planning trips from Ojai or Solvang
Start with whether each filling should be replaced at all. The FDA does not recommend removing intact amalgam fillings to prevent disease, because drilling them out…
- Mercury-free dentistry and amalgam
Amalgam removal costs: what can change the restoration your tooth needs?
Most of the cost of replacing a silver (amalgam) filling is the cost of whatever replaces it, and that is usually not known until the old filling and any decay beneath…
- Mercury-free dentistry and amalgam
What does an amalgam replacement appointment involve?
A replacement appointment usually begins with local anesthetic to numb the tooth, then isolation, often with a rubber dam. The old filling is usually cut into a few…
- Mercury-free dentistry and amalgam
Cracked amalgam or decay underneath: when replacing a filling may be necessary
Usually, yes. The FDA's advice to leave silver fillings alone applies to fillings that are intact with no decay beneath them. A filling that is cracked, broken, leaking…
- Mercury-free dentistry and amalgam
Mercury-free dentistry in Santa Barbara: new and old fillings are different decisions
In Santa Barbara, as anywhere, "mercury-free dentist" usually describes a materials choice rather than a specialty: new fillings and restorations are made from…
- Mercury-free dentistry and amalgam
Should a sound silver filling be removed? Start with the FDA's guidance
Usually no. If a silver (amalgam) filling is intact, its edges are sealed and your dentist finds no decay beneath it, the FDA does not recommend removing it unless…