Amalgam Removal Perth

Amalgam fillings, part silver and part mercury, are strong and have been around for decades. We know amalgam fillings can last a long time, however, this treatment does come with it’s set of problems. These problems stem from the fact you’re having part of your tooth replaced with metal. And, unlike porcelain or composite fillings, amalgam fillings require healthy as well as the decayed parts of the tooth to be removed.

Why you might want your amalgam fillings removed

Main problems which can arise from amalgam fillings:

1. The metal in the filling can expand and contract due to changes in temperature (hot/cold foods), which can lead to teeth cracking.
2. The mercury in amalgam fillings are toxic. While the jury is still out on just how dangerous this is, most people do not like the idea of having a toxic substance placed inside their tooth.
3. Also, the amount of tooth which needs to be removed is excessive. And decay can actually form underneath the filling, which can—in some cases—lead to the tooth needing to be extracted.

At Advanced Dental Artistry in Perth, we feel that patients need to make their own judgement calls about whether they want amalgam fillings or not. At ADAP we prefer to use composite (or porcelain) fillings for health and aesthetic reasons.

The safe removal of amalgam fillings

To safely remove amalgam fillings, one of our dentists will ensure the area around the tooth is clean before placing a rubber dam and carefully removing the amalgam. Depending on the size of the filling and the health of your tooth, the replacement for an amalgam filling is either a composite filling or a porcelain restoration.

If you are unsure what the best course of action for you is, feel free to contact us today to find out more.