Are you concerned about the mercury in your dental fillings? Many patients worry about potential health effects of amalgam fillings, especially as new information emerges about mercury exposure. You deserve safe, effective removal options that protect your health during the process.
At Club K Dental, we understand your concerns about mercury fillings. Our experienced team specializes in safe amalgam removal using certified SMART protocols designed to minimize your exposure to mercury vapor during the removal process. We provide comprehensive dental care with a focus on patient safety and comfort.
Experience comprehensive dental care that considers your overall health and wellness with natural treatment approaches.
Dental amalgam fillings, often called “silver fillings,” contain approximately 50% mercury mixed with other metals including silver, tin, and copper. These fillings have been used for over 150 years due to their durability and affordability. However, research shows these fillings release small amounts of mercury vapor, particularly during placement and removal, according to the International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology (IAOMT).
While the FDA and ADA consider amalgam fillings safe for most adults and children over six, growing concerns have led many patients to request removal. Some individuals may be more sensitive to mercury exposure, including pregnant women, children, and those with certain health conditions or mercury sensitivities.
You might consider amalgam removal for several reasons:
Mercury is a neurotoxin that can potentially affect your nervous system, immune system, and other bodily functions when exposure levels are high enough. While dental amalgams contain stable mercury bound with other metals, small amounts can be released over time, especially during chewing or grinding.
Specialized protocols to safely remove mercury fillings and replace them with biocompatible materials 
$50 per quadrantSafe amalgam removal requires specialized techniques and equipment to minimize mercury exposure. At Club K Dental, we are certified and follow SMART protocols designed to protect both patients and our dental team.
Our smart protocol includes multiple protective measures:
This comprehensive approach significantly reduces potential mercury exposure during amalgam removal. We carefully section the amalgam fillings rather than drilling them out entirely, which reduces heat generation and mercury vapor release.
Our office utilizes state-of-the-art equipment specifically designed for safe amalgam removal. This includes specialized high-speed vacuum systems that capture up to 99% of mercury vapor and particles created during removal, according to research from the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health.
We also provide protective barriers including specialized draping from head-to-toe to prevent skin contact with amalgam particles and protect your clothing. Our dental team wears protective equipment including masks with mercury vapor filters, hair coverings, and full-body coverings to ensure everyone’s safety during the procedure.
After removing amalgam fillings, we offer several biocompatible restoration alternatives:
These tooth-colored fillings provide a natural appearance while effectively restoring your teeth. Made from a mixture of plastic and fine glass particles, composite resins bond directly to your tooth structure, requiring less removal of healthy tooth tissue compared to amalgam.
For larger restorations, ceramic inlays and onlays offer excellent durability while maintaining a natural appearance. These custom-made restorations are fabricated in a dental laboratory or with our in-office milling system and then bonded to your tooth.
When a tooth requires full coverage, we offer metal-free ceramic crowns that restore both function and aesthetics without introducing any metals into your mouth.
Our team will discuss which option best suits your specific needs, considering factors like the size of the restoration, location in your mouth, and your personal preferences.
Dental amalgam fillings contain approximately 50% mercury, which is a known neurotoxin that can potentially affect your nervous system, immune system, and other bodily functions. Research shows these fillings release small amounts of mercury vapor, particularly during chewing, grinding, placement, and removal. While the FDA considers amalgam fillings safe for most adults, some individuals may be more sensitive to mercury exposure, including pregnant women, children, and those with certain health conditions or mercury sensitivities. Growing concerns about long-term exposure have led many patients to request safe removal.
Our comprehensive SMART protocol includes multiple protective measures: rubber dam isolation to prevent swallowing mercury particles, supplemental oxygen through a nasal mask during the procedure, high-volume suction systems that capture mercury vapor and particles, specialized protective barriers and draping from head-to-toe, activated charcoal rinses before and after the procedure, sectioning amalgam fillings rather than drilling them out entirely to reduce heat and vapor generation, and proper disposal of all mercury-contaminated materials according to EPA regulations. These measures significantly reduce potential mercury exposure for both patients and our dental team.
The IAOMT does not recommend amalgam filling removal for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding as a safety precaution. During pregnancy and breastfeeding, it’s best to postpone elective mercury removal procedures until after the baby is weaned. However, if you’re planning to become pregnant, having your amalgam fillings safely removed beforehand can be beneficial. We can discuss the best timing for your specific situation and provide guidance on mercury detoxification support if appropriate for your health goals.
The cost of SMART mercury removal varies depending on several factors including the number and size of fillings, the type of replacement material chosen, and the complexity of your case. We follow strict OSHA protocols and use specialized safety equipment to protect both patients and our team during the removal process. This includes rubber dam isolation, high-volume suction, and air filtration systems.
The specialized equipment, additional safety protocols, and extended time required for safe removal make it more expensive than conventional amalgam removal, but the investment in your health and safety is invaluable. We provide transparent pricing and detailed cost estimates during your consultation. As a fee-for-service practice, we work with your insurance company’s out-of-network benefits and offer flexible payment plans to make this important health investment more accessible and affordable.
The time required for mercury removal depends on the number and size of fillings being removed. Individual fillings typically take longer to remove safely using the SMART protocol compared to conventional removal due to the careful sectioning process and safety measures involved. For patients with multiple amalgam fillings, we often plan treatment in phases, usually by quadrant, to make the process more manageable both clinically and financially. During your consultation, we’ll provide a detailed treatment plan with timing estimates based on your specific needs.
While it’s technically possible to remove multiple amalgam fillings in one appointment, we often recommend a phased approach for several reasons. Removing all amalgams at once can be overwhelming for your body’s detoxification systems and may cause unnecessary stress. A gradual approach allows your body time to process and eliminate mercury between appointments. The number of fillings removed per session depends on their location, size, your overall health status, and your comfort level. We’ll work with you to develop a treatment plan that prioritizes your safety and comfort.
You might consider mercury amalgam removal if you experience unexplained health symptoms that could be related to mercury sensitivity, have concerns about long-term mercury exposure, are planning pregnancy, have multiple large amalgam fillings showing signs of wear or leakage, or simply want to eliminate a potential source of mercury from your body. Some patients report improvements in chronic fatigue, headaches, or other symptoms after safe mercury removal, though individual results vary. During your consultation, we’ll discuss your specific concerns and help you make an informed decision.
Preparation for mercury removal includes following any pre-treatment supplements or dietary recommendations we provide, eating a nutritious meal before your appointment, avoiding alcohol and processed foods for several days before treatment, staying well-hydrated, and bringing any questions or concerns you may have. We may recommend starting detoxification support supplements before your appointment. Avoid wearing jewelry, perfumes, or lotions that could interfere with the protective barriers. Our team will provide specific pre-treatment instructions tailored to your individual needs and health status.
At Club K Dental, we prioritize your health and safety during every procedure. Our team has extensive training in the SMART protocol amalgam removal and stays current with the latest research and techniques. We combine clinical excellence with compassionate care to ensure your comfort throughout the amalgam removal process. Ready to safely remove your amalgam fillings? Contact Club K Dental today to schedule your consultation through our contact form.
✓ 0% APR Financing Available
✓ No Insurance Required
✓ Dental Warranty Available
✓ Family Coverage
