Amalgam Removal

In past decades, amalgam material was commonly used to fill cavities in teeth because it was affordable and easy to use. However, because amalgam contains mercury, many dental professionals have opted to remove amalgam fillings and use safer materials for new fillings.

This way, patients can protect themselves from the health issues connected to amalgam fillings and make use of safer alternatives.

The main goal during amalgam removal is to limit as much risk as possible to the patient’s mouth by isolating the tooth being worked on. This isolation is completed with the use of a rubber dental dam, a sort of covering that allows Dr. Tim Herre and and Dr. Erica Ketchem to access the tooth while covering the remaining teeth and gums.

After the tooth is isolated, the process involves removing the amalgam without letting it become too hot during drilling. Too much heat around an amalgam filling can create dangerous mercury vapors that are a risk to both the patient and the dental team involved. In order to keep the amalgam cool, the team uses water and dry air during the procedure to prevent heat buildup.

From there, Dr. Tim and Dr. Erica Ketchem will cut the amalgam fillings into small pieces to remove them more safely from the patient’s mouth. By cutting the filling, the dentist spares himself the need to perform more drilling than necessary. This, in turn, reduces the mercury vapors that may be created during the procedure. As a passionate and skilled biological dentist, Dr. Ketchem is certified through the IAOMT for Safe Mercury Amalgam Removal Technique (SMART). SMART certification ensures patients at Herre Holistic Dental receive the safest and highest level of care during restorative dental appointments.

After the amalgam pieces have been cut, Dr. Tim and Dr. Erica Ketchem will use a high-powered suction system that effectively removes both amalgam particles and mercury vapors safely from the patient’s mouth.

Herre Holistic Dental KC offers safe, natural alternatives to amalgam fillings, both in standard cavity repair and as replacements once amalgam has been removed.

During the initial consultation, Dr. Tim and Dr. Erica Ketchem will decide what’s the best biocompatible material for each specific case and will go over the procedure in more detail. The good news is tooth colored fillings allow for more conservative treatment and often can be completed in one visit.

If you’ve had amalgam fillings in the past and you’d like to have them safely removed and replaced with a healthier alternative, you’re welcome to reach out to Herre Holistic Dental KC at (913) 491-4466 or schedule an appointment with one of our helpful team members. Our experienced dental professionals are well-trained in performing the safest possible amalgam removal procedures.