What We Now Know About Mercury Fillings

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Mercury is a kind of metal that is used in a type of filling, often called amalgam fillings. It’s been used in dentistry for more than a century. They used to be used almost exclusively, but this material is quite toxic to humans. Over time, dentists in Albany, NY and worldwide have come to realize even more about their dangers.

What Mercury Fillings Are Made Of

By definition, an amalgam is a mixture of metals, including silver, tin, copper, and mercury. The part mercury plays is as a binding agent, and it enables the material to be shaped inside the tooth, where it conforms and hardens.

What Research Has Shown

Studies over the years have confirmed that mercury fillings release small amounts of mercury vapor, particularly when chewing or grinding. Since mercury is toxic, this release is suspected to cause health problems, including maybe serious and life-altering diseases.

How Dental Practices Have Changed

Dentistry has shifted significantly in recent decades. Tooth-colored composite materials are now widely used and don’t contain mercury. These materials bond directly to the tooth, preserve more natural structure, and blend in visually. As a result, amalgam fillings are placed far less often than they once were.

Considerations Around Mercury Removal

Removing mercury fillings requires careful planning. Improper removal can increase exposure during the process, which is why specific protocols are used by dentists who offer safe mercury removal. These steps are designed to reduce vapor release and protect both the patient and dental staff.

Understanding what’s now known about mercury fillings helps patients make thoughtful decisions about  mercury removal in Albany, NY. With modern materials and careful techniques available, dentistry continues to move toward safer, more conservative approaches to long-term oral health.

Should I Have My Amalgam Fillings Replaced?

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Almost half of the dental fillings in America are “silver amalgam” fillings, which contain about 50% mercury. Unfortunately, mercury is a neurotoxin. Although silver amalgam fillings are durable, they do degrade over time, giving off vapor that people can inhale. Mercury exposure like this has been linked to problems with:

  • Neurological and mental health complications
  • Autoimmune disorders
  • Cardiovascular issues
  • Gastrointestinal problems

Here at Dental Wellness of Albany, your dentist in Albany, NY, is fully accredited and certified to use the “Safe Mercury Amalgam Removal” or SMART protocol to remove amalgam fillings and replace them with safer alternatives. The process works like this:

Safe Mercury Amalgam Removal (SMART)

Removing amalgam fillings comes with its own set of risks. Therefore, dental experts developed a protocol to protect patients who want their amalgam fillings replaced, as well as the dentists and staff who remove them. The protocol also provides for safe disposal of removed fillings to protect the environment. It’s called the Safe Mercury Amalgam Removal or SMART protocol, and it involves the following steps:

1. Preparing the Removal Space

The room where SMART removals take place has special high-volume air filters, aerosol vacuums, and special amalgam separators that separate the mercury from the rest of the metals.

2. Patient Preparation

If you decide to have your amalgam fillings replaced in Albany, NY, you will be totally covered in protective gowns and drapes to prevent you from inhaling any more mercury. Before the procedure, you’ll be asked to rinse your mouth out with and swallow a solution containing chlorella, charcoal, or other absorbing material that helps bind and remove heavy metals from your mouth and out of your system. You’ll also be given a nasal mask with oxygen provided through a cannula.

3. Dentist and Team Preparation

Your dentist in Albany, NY, and everyone working on the SAFE protocol will also wear full protective coverings, face shields, gloves, and masks.

4. During the Procedure

We create a non-latex, nitrile “dam” around your mouth, sealing the location of the filling, along with a saliva ejector that suctions away mercury particles in the saliva. An aerosol vacuum nearby removes any mercury vapor released during the procedure. We then drill out the filling in as few pieces as possible to reduce exposure from smaller chunks. Other types of equipment capture and remove mercury as it is removed from your mouth.

5. After the Amalgam is Removed

You’ll rinse your mouth with water, and then the same charcoal solution as before, binding any remaining mercury. Your cavity will then be refilled with a safer gold, composite resin, or glass ionomer filling.

Replacing Dental Fillings in Albany, NY with the Dentist Albany Trusts for SAFE Amalgam Removal

Many patients benefit from having their older mercury fillings replaced with better alternatives, but we do not recommend that pregnant or breastfeeding women undergo the procedure. If you have any questions about the SAFE protocol or about your health in relation to older mercury fillings, schedule an appointment with us here at Dental Wellness of Albany to discuss your options.

A woman is lying in a dental chair with her mouth open while two dental professionals examine her teeth with dental instruments.

What Are the Reasons You Might Consider having Amalgam Fillings Removed?

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Do you still have silver fillings in your mouth? These amalgam fillings used to be common years ago, but they’ve been replaced with safer materials. At Dental Wellness of Albany, our dentists in Albany, NY, offer safe amalgam removal if you want to have these fillings replaced. Here’s a closer look at some of the reasons patients choose to do so.

Concerns Over Mercury Exposure

Amalgam fillings contain mercury, a toxic element that has been linked to several health issues, such as gastrointestinal problems and neurological conditions. Some patients want these fillings removed to avoid this exposure.

Cosmetic Purposes

Safety concerns aren’t the only reason that patients ask to have amalgam fillings removed. Some don’t like the darker, more noticeable coloring of these silver fillings. We can remove them and replace them with tooth-colored fillings for aesthetic purposes.

Damage

Some patients choose amalgam removal in Albany, NY, due to damaged fillings. Amalgam fillings can wear out and develop cracks over the years, potentially increasing the risk of mercury exposure.

Stronger Restoration

Amalgam fillings don’t offer as much protection and support for teeth as more modern fillings, like composite fillings that bond to your teeth to make them stronger. These modern options help lower your risk of damage more effectively than amalgam fillings.

When to Avoid Amalgam Removal

Although we use safe methods for taking out these fillings, we don’t recommend this process for patients who are currently nursing or pregnant.

Schedule an Appointment Today for Safe Amalgam Removal

Are you ready to have a mercury-free mouth? We’re ready to help! At Dental Wellness of Albany, our dentists offer amalgam removal in Albany, NY, using trusted methods to take out these fillings and replace them with safer materials.

A person lies in a dental chair with their mouth open while a dentist, wearing blue gloves, examines their teeth using dental instruments.

What Are Biocompatible Fillings and Why Choose Them?

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Ever been told you need a cavity filled? If so, you probably then started to wonder what’s really going into your mouth, right? Traditional fillings often contain metals (mercury, alloys). Those metals don’t sit well with everyone. That’s where biocompatible fillings in Albany, NY, come in. These tooth-colored options are designed to be safer. They are also healthier. And they’re better for your smile.

What Are Biocompatible Fillings?

Biocompatible fillings are made with materials that “get along” with your body. Instead of metals, they use composite resin, ceramic, or glass ionomer. They’re durable. Blend naturally with your teeth. And they reduce the risk of allergic reactions.

Benefits of Choosing Biocompatible Fillings

More and more people are starting to ask about biocompatible fillings in Albany, NY.

Let’s take a look at some of their benefits.

  • Health-conscious choice. No mercury or metals to worry about.
  • Natural look. They’re tooth-colored, so no one can spot your dental work when you laugh or smile.
  • Long-lasting. With proper care, these fillings can hold up for years.
  • Biocompatible. You don’t have to worry about any adverse reactions.

When Are Biocompatible Fillings Recommended?

They’re perfect for small to mid-size cavities, people with sensitive teeth, or anyone who prefers a metal-free option. After a quick exam, your dentist in Albany, NY, will help you decide if they’re right for you.

Are You Looking for a Reputable Dentist in Albany, NY?

Your dental health matters, and the materials you choose matter too. Ready for a healthier smile? Contact Dental Wellness of Albany today. We will perform an exam and let you know if you need any fillings (or any other dental work). We’re here to help keep your teeth strong, natural, and safe.

A dentist wearing a mask and gloves holds dental tools and adjusts an overhead light in a dental clinic.

Top 6 Benefits of White Fillings for Your Teeth

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Have you been told that you need fillings? If you don’t want them to stand out when you smile, you don’t have to go with traditional metal fillings. White composite resin fillings provide a great alternative! Our dentists in Albany, NY, at Dental Wellness of Albany offer this type of dental filling due to its advantages.

Aesthetic Appeal

Metal fillings are highly noticeable, but white fillings blend in with your natural teeth. Choosing these tooth-colored composite fillings for front teeth can help improve your smile.

Versatility

White fillings aren’t just for treating tooth decay. We also use them for treating teeth with minor flaws, such as cracks, making them a good option for cosmetic dental issues.

Durability

White composite resin fillings may last for years without needing to be replaced if you take proper care of them. Note that their lifespan might not be as long as metal, though.

No Mercury

Amalgam fillings contain tiny amounts of mercury. Although they’re considered safe, you might choose white fillings instead for peace of mind.

Less Invasive

Applying white fillings requires less drilling and tooth preparation compared to metal fillings, making them slightly less invasive. This helps lower the risk of damage to your tooth during this treatment.

Fast Treatment

Our dental team can apply white composite resin fillings in one visit in most cases. You may need multiple visits if you have a few or more teeth that need fillings.

Schedule an Appointment for Fillings Today!

If you have teeth that need fillings, consider choosing composite white fillings for visual appeal. At Dental Wellness of Albany, we offer white fillings in Albany, NY, as an alternative to traditional gold and silver dental fillings.

A woman sits in a dental chair smiling, wearing a bib, while a dental professional in pink scrubs and gloves prepares dental instruments nearby.

The Safest Way to Remove Amalgam Fillings Without Mercury Exposure

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Now that we know more about the dangers of mercury, we, as dental professionals, can appropriately educate patients who have amalgam fillings, which contain mercury. These fillings can’t just be removed without care. There is a danger is removing them, as they can release vapors and particles that can be harmful. This is why one of the services we offer is amalgam removal in a safe way that follows strict safety protocols to minimize mercury exposure.

Why Safe Removal Matters

Traditional silver amalgam fillings are made of a mixture of metals, including mercury. When drilled, these fillings can release mercury vapor, which can be inhaled or absorbed by the body. To protect both patients and dental professionals during the procedure, specialized techniques are necessary to reduce exposure and ensure a safe removal process.

Safe Amalgam Removal Protocol

Dentists in our practice prioritize safety follow the SMART (Safe Mercury Amalgam Removal Technique) protocol, which includes:

  • Isolation of the Area – A rubber dam is used to prevent mercury particles from being swallowed or inhaled. This is for the patient’s protection during the amalgam removal in Albany, NY.
  • Specialized Suction – High-volume suction and an external air filtration system help capture mercury vapors and particles.
  • Sectioning the Filling – Instead of drilling it out all at once, the filling is carefully cut into pieces to reduce vapor release.
  • Oxygen Supply – Patients may receive an alternative air source, such as an oxygen mask, to prevent inhalation of any mercury vapors.
  • Thorough Rinsing and Cleanup – The mouth is thoroughly flushed with water and a suction device to remove any remaining particles.

If you’re considering replacing your old amalgam fillings, choosing a dentist trained in safe removal techniques is key. Contact your dentist in Albany, NY today to book your appointment and to learn more. By following protective measures, mercury exposure can be minimized, ensuring a safe and effective transition to healthier, modern filling materials.

A dentist wearing black gloves examines a female patients teeth in a modern dental clinic.

Should I Have Mercury Fillings Removed?

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If you are like many people today, you probably have at least one silver tooth filling in your mouth. Known as an amalgam filling, it contains silver and other things, including mercury. In fact, it is estimated 120 million people in the U.S. have filling containing mercury. Due to the many health concerns associated with mercury, more and more people are starting to wonder if they need to get these fillings replaced with safer options. If this sounds like you, here are some things to consider when making your decision.

How Much Mercury is in My Filling?

In most cases, a typical silver filling will contain up to 50 percent of inorganic mercury. While any amount above 0 parts is technically considered a toxic level, it is important to remember that silver fillings with mercury have been used for well over 100 years, with few if any problems concerning mercury poisoning occurring.

Can the Fillings be Removed?

Yes. However, by doing so, you actually put yourself at greater risk of mercury exposure. When the fillings are removed, a dentist has to drill directly into the filling until it breaks apart, which can result in more mercury actually entering your body. If they are removed, it should be done only by a dentist who is certified in the process and has the specialized equipment needed for the procedure.

What Alternative Fillings are Available?

If you do remove your mercury fillings, they are most often replaced with composite resin, since this most closely matches the natural look of a tooth and is also very affordable for most patients.

If you have fillings you believe contain mercury and are concerned, you can always speak to a dentist about whether having them removed and replaced is necessary. To do so, schedule a consultation today.