Dental fillings made of amalgam contain a high percentage of toxic mercury. As a result, these fillings not only present aesthetic drawbacks but, more importantly, pose health risks. If you have amalgam fillings and would like to have them removed, please visit our practice in Zurich for a consultation on amalgam removal.
Health Risks Associated with Amalgam
Amalgam dental fillings release mercury into the body in various ways. The toxic metal either enters the body directly through the filled tooth or is leached from the filling by hot or acidic foods, eventually accumulating in internal organs such as the intestines and liver. In affected patients, mercury from amalgam fillings can lead to heart and head problems, among other issues. Due to the health risks posed by amalgam, patients are increasingly opting for professional amalgam removal.
The Amalgam Removal Process
Before proceeding with your desired amalgam removal in Zurich, we first conduct a detailed consultation with you and inform you about the necessary treatment steps. We also assess whether your desired treatment timeframe is suitable for your individual amalgam removal at our dental practice in Zurich: Since the removal of amalgam fillings carries risks such as the release of metal particles, various factors (such as advanced pregnancy) may, in some cases, make a prompt procedure inadvisable. Furthermore, we’ll discuss with you the choice of replacement material to be used after the amalgam removal. Depending on your individual dental situation, you’ll have the option, for example, between replacement fillings or replacement inlays made of composite or ceramic.
Due to the potential toxicity of the metal, we take a series of precautionary measures during amalgam removal. In this way, we offer you comprehensive protection against mercury that may be released from the fillings.
For the actual amalgam removal, we typically use high-powered drills. Due to this power, comparatively little heat is generated during operation, which in turn reduces the risk of mercury vapor being released. Measures such as strong water cooling during amalgam removal also serve the same purpose.
Depending on the initial condition, there may be a cement lining beneath the patient’s amalgam filling. This cement layer encases the amalgam and, according to various dental professionals, helps limit the migration of mercury into the tooth structure. If we find such a cement layer beneath your amalgam filling, we will also remove it thoroughly. Finally, we also include any darkly discolored portions of the tooth in which mercury has become embedded in the amalgam removal process. Once all amalgam residues have been removed from your tooth, it is ready for an alternative filling.
Do you have questions about amalgam fillings and their removal? Then please contact us. We’d be happy to provide you with detailed information at our Bellevue dental practice in Zurich.