Amalgam Removal
What Is Amalgam?
Vapor release can be triggered by tooth grinding and hard chewing, and typically occurs more in patients who have several amalgam fillings in their mouths rather than a single filling.
While patients with amalgam fillings tend to have slightly higher levels of mercury present in their bodies, the levels usually remain low enough to be “safe.”
However, the idea of having any increased exposure to mercury understandably makes many dental patients uncomfortable, which is why Dr. Tim Herre aims to both reduce patients’ worries as well as their exposure to potentially harmful material via amalgam removal.
Fortunately, Dr. Tim Herre is more than capable of safely removing amalgam fillings from the comfort of the Herre Holistic Dental KC office.
There are, however, a few important factors to consider during amalgam removal procedures.
- Tremors
- Sleep disturbances
- Anxiety, depression, or irritability
- Problems coordinating the limbs
- Changes in vision
- Difficulty hearing
- Fatigue
- Trouble with memory
- Pregnant or breastfeeding mothers
- Children, especially those under six years of age
- Patients with kidney dysfunction or kidney-related diseases
- Patients with neurological impairments
- Individuals who are sensitive to the metals in amalgam fillings
This way, patients can protect themselves from the health issues connected to amalgam fillings and make use of safer alternatives.
Amalgam Removal Considerations
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 staff involved. In order to keep the amalgam cool, the staff uses water and dry air during the procedure to prevent heat buildup.
From there, Dr. Tim 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.
After the amalgam pieces have been cut, Dr. Tim will use a high-powered suction system that effectively removes both amalgam particles and mercury vapors safely from the patient’s mouth.
Alternatives to Amalgam Fillings
Instead of filling a cavity with metals, Dr. Tim utilizes porcelain or resin fillings, which are quite durable and blend in with the color of a patient’s natural teeth far better than amalgam fillings. The process of completing a porcelain or resin filling is somewhat longer than using amalgam to fill a cavity, but the result is safer and more aesthetically pleasing than metal fillings.
Schedule an Appointment
Location
11201 Nall Avenue
Suite 120
Leawood, KS 66211
Hours
Tuesday: 8:00am - 4:00pm
Wednesday: 8:00am - 4:00pm
Thursday: 7:00am - 3:00pm