Safe Protocol for Replacing Amalgams with Resin Fillings
Dental Home will replace dental amalgam, an alloy that consists chiefly of silver mixed with mercury and variable amounts of other metals used as a dental filling, with white resins.
This has significant benefits like better adhering to avoid tooth decay. In addition, for this repair, there is no need to remove the entire filling and up to 60% less healthy tooth needs to be removed compared to amalgam fillings and makes this procedure a much more efficient technique.
The white resin has the added benefit of reinforcing the tooth against fractures and is much more cosmetically appealing. White resin also eliminates the risk of mercury or other toxic metals being released.
Why remove amalgam fillings (gray fillings)?
- Because amalgam is one of the toxic heavy metals. Clarifying that not all heavy metals are toxic. Some are good and others are bad, which are the ones we call toxic.
- Many of the cavities that are under amalgam fillings are not visible during the consultation or on X-rays, and are often only detected when they start causing a problem.
- They are more aesthetic. Amalgam fillings are dark silver in color and can be visible when smiling or talking, which can affect dental aesthetics. White resins can be matched to the natural color of the teeth, making them more aesthetic.
- Mercury sensitivity: Dental amalgams are composed of a mixture of metals, including mercury, which can raise concerns about mercury exposure in some patients.
- Fracture potential: Over time, amalgams can cause fractures in teeth due to thermal expansion and contraction, especially in large teeth with large amalgam restorations. Composite resins can provide a more flexible restoration that is less prone to fracturing in certain situations.
Are Amalgam Fillings Harmful to the Body?
The main concern with dental amalgam lies in its long-term biocompatibility due to a characteristic phenomenon called progressive corrosion. In amalgam fillings, this corrosion is accompanied by the disintegration of its components, particularly mercury and silver, which are significantly absorbed by the body. This process can lead to a chronic syndrome known as micromercurialism. However, while there have been informal reports and isolated cases, no controlled studies have conclusively demonstrated systemic adverse effects caused by amalgam restorations.
Additionally, the contact between two amalgam fillings—such as one on an upper tooth and another on a lower tooth—can generate electrical currents, potentially causing discomfort or heightened sensitivity.
By replacing amalgam fillings with composite resins, you can eliminate the risks of corrosion and electrical shocks, while also achieving a more aesthetic appearance for your teeth.
How Do We Safely Remove Amalgam (Silver Fillings)?
At Dental Home, we follow a safe protocol for replacing mercury amalgam fillings with composite resin to ensure the protection of the patient, dentist, and dental assistant from exposure to mercury vapor, which is toxic to health.
Our fillings safe removal protocol in Colombia includes the following steps:
1. Specialized Masks: We use masks with special filters to prevent the inhalation of mercury vapor.
2. Physical Barrier: A rubber dam is placed to prevent the ingestion of amalgam particles during removal.
3. Comprehensive Protection: Various protective elements are used to safeguard different parts of the body, including the face, eyes, hair, and mucous membranes.
4. High Suction Equipment: We use high-suction equipment near the treatment area to extract mercury vapor produced during the removal process.
5. Oxygen Source for the Patient: The patient breathes oxygen through a mask, avoiding inhalation of mercury vapor.
6. Specialized Tools: Amalgam is sectioned using special burs that minimize friction and heat, reducing exposure to mercury vapor.
7. Multiple Suction Systems: We employ several suction systems for optimal safety.
8. Detoxification Support: Additional detoxification measures are offered, such as antioxidants, chelators, oral supplements, and dietary recommendations to help eliminate mercury from the body.
9. Biocompatible Replacement Material: The removed amalgam is replaced with a more biocompatible material.
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FAQ
Why Remove Amalgam Fillings (Silver Fillings)?
Toxic Metal Content: Amalgam is considered one of the toxic heavy metals, although not all heavy metals are harmful. Some are beneficial, but others, like toxic heavy metals, can pose health concerns.
Hidden Cavities: Many cavities beneath amalgam fillings are not visible during routine checkups or on X-rays. Often, they are only detected when they begin to cause problems.
Enhanced Aesthetics: Amalgam fillings are dark silver in color and can be visible when smiling or speaking, affecting dental appearance. White composite fillings match the natural color of teeth, offering a more aesthetic solution.
Mercury Sensitivity: Amalgam fillings contain a mixture of metals, including mercury, which may raise concerns about mercury exposure for some patients.
Fracture Risk: Over time, amalgam fillings can lead to tooth fractures due to thermal expansion and contraction, especially in teeth with large restorations. Composite resins provide a more flexible restoration option, reducing the likelihood of fractures in certain cases.
Are amalgams (gray dental fillings) harmful to the body?
The root of this question is the biocompatibility of dental amalgam and everything related mainly to its long term use due to the phenomenon called progressive corrosion. With amalgam there is a corrosion that is accompanied by the disintegration of its components, particularly mercury and silver. Both mercury and silver are easily absorbed by the body that can cause a chronic syndrome call micro-mercurialism. Although there have been a number of informal cases and reports, no controlled studies have been published demonstrating systemic adverse effects from amalgam fillings.
Additionally, contact between two amalgams (fillings) for example a top filling with a bottom filling, can cause small electrical currents strong enough to create discomfort or increased sensitivity. Replacing amalgams with white resins can eliminate this risk and also give an improved aesthetic.
Can all amalgams be changed with another material?
Fillings can be changed or replaced with white resin, inlays or crowns. Dental Home specialists will determent the condition of the tooth to know which solution to choose to offer the best aesthetics, functionality and durability
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