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
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…