Is Mercury Lurking in Your Fillings? The Importance of Mercury-Safe Amalgam Removal

Millions of dental patients worldwide have amalgam fillings. But these metal fillings contain mercury, which can be harmful to human health. 

Why has amalgam been so popular, what are the dangers, and how can you get amalgam fillings removed safely?

At Bayside Dental Arts in Queens, New York, Dr. Andrey Ilyabayev and our team are dedicated to both your dental and general health. With our safe mercury removal process, we take out old amalgam fillings without increasing your exposure and replace them with safe, durable fillings that look like your other teeth.

Amalgam fillings

Amalgam fillings were introduced more than 150 years ago. They are a mixture of several different metals, including mercury, silver, copper, tin and zinc. The majority (almost 50% by weight) is mercury.

These types of fillings have been extremely useful for teeth with large amounts of damage, filling in deep cavities, and those which have destroyed even the whole side of a tooth. But amalgam fillings containing mercury are now banned in many countries due to the dangers of mercury.

The dangers of mercury

Mercury can be hazardous to human health, even in small amounts. Symptoms of excessive mercury exposure include:

• Cardiovascular problems
• Cognitive issues
• Hearing loss
• Tremors
• Headaches
• Insomnia
• Renal insufficiency
• Weight loss

Amalgam fillings can slowly leak mercury over time, causing unsightly staining on your teeth. The mercury-rich vapor released when a filling is removed can cause higher levels of exposure. Getting amalgam fillings replaced with a more modern option requires a dentist with specialized skills and equipment.

Safe removal of mercury fillings

Dr. Andrey Ilyabayev is experienced in removing amalgam fillings without letting mercury vapor escape and expose you further. We give you a protective gown, glasses, and hair covering to put on before the procedure, which can take 60-90 minutes.

Dr. Ilyabayev carefully removes your metal amalgam fillings using specialized tools attached to a ventilation and filtration system. All mercury particles and any other harmful vapors are sucked away from you and Dr. Ilyabayev into a hazardous waste container. 

After removing amalgam fillings, Dr. Ilyabayev replaces them with ceramic or porcelain fillings that match the color of your existing tooth. You’ll have a healthier smile and won’t have to worry about mercury leaching out of your fillings.

If you have amalgam fillings, now is the time to get rid of them without harm to yourself or the environment. To learn more, call 315-908-0804 or book an appointment online today at our office in Bayside, New York.