Mercury Fillings Removal

If you have mercury amalgam fillings, visit our dental clinic in Karratha for safe and comprehensive filling removal.

Our dentists are highly experienced in the safe removal and disposal of amalgam fillings, and we can even replace your old fillings with modern white fillings.

What are mercury amalgam fillings?

Mercury or ‘silver’ fillings are made from an amalgam of mercury, tin, copper and silver. They can be distinguished by their metallic look rather than the natural white of modern porcelain or composite fillings.

Amalgam fillings have long been used in dentistry as a cheap and durable option for repairing damaged teeth. They are still used by many dentists in Australia today, despite the dangers they pose to health.

Why do mercury fillings need to be removed?

The presence of mercury in amalgam fillings is potentially toxic if the filling becomes damaged. Although dental fillings are designed to be resilient, older fillings are susceptible to damage over time from chewing, abrasive brushing, hot drinks and dental work.

Even a small amount of mercury entering the body can be hazardous to the health, which is why dentists today offer mercury amalgam removal to eliminate the hazard.

Removal of mercury amalgam fillings is a job for a trained professional, as the mercury needs to be extracted and disposed of in a safe and responsible manner without exposing the patient or the dentist to mercury vapour and particles.

What to expect

During your consultation, your dentist will explain what mercury filling removal involves to make sure you are happy and comfortable with the procedure. We will take an x-ray of your mouth to help us plan a safe and effective treatment.

Depending on the size and condition of the filling, local anaesthesia may be needed to numb the area. A face mask will be fitted to prevent you from breathing in any mercury vapour and a dental dam will be inserted into your mouth to isolate the tooth being treated and prevent any liquid from entering your mouth.

Using dental burs, your dentist will then carefully remove the amalgam filling without causing damage and releasing the mercury inside. Any mercury vapour inside the cavity will be extracted.

You can choose to have your amalgam fillings replaced with white fillings, or we will discuss other treatments options with you. We will also recommend any dietary supplements that should be taken before and after your treatment to help support your immune system.

Am I suitable for amalgam filling removal?

If you or someone in your family has mercury amalgam fillings and you’re worried about their effect on your health, contact us today to speak to our experienced dentists in Karratha about safe filling removal.