Safe Removal of Amalgam Fillings Lloyd Hannis|biological dentist, dentist lima peru, removal amalgam fillings

Amalgam fillings are made of a combination of metals including mercury, silver, tin, copper, and others too. Over time, these metals leak into the natural tooth causing discoloration and, in some cases, even infections and abscess.

Many of our patience now choose to replace their amalgam fillings using ceramic inlays. Not only for aesthetics and a whiter brighter mouth, but for health reasons too.

Our team of specialist dentists use 3D CAD CAM systems in all of our daily operations. This gives all of our patients a highly precise, fast, and pain-free treatment.

Interesting Facts!

1. A person with amalgam fillings releases mercury vapor every time chewing occurs. This enters the body and over the long term can cause more serious health problems.
2. Looking at an amalgam filling, it may seem very small. However, although it may seem minimal to the naked eye, it can actually be a very deep filling. When these fillings are deep, they can leak metals into the conducts of the tooth.
3. Once the conduct is infiltrated, the only option to save the tooth is ti perform root canal therapy.
4. A leaking amalgam can cause discomfort, pain, and infection. In a worse case scenario, extraction is needed.

Remove the Amalgam Filling & Remove the Mercury

Mercury is a naturally occurring metal but is categorized as extremely toxic with known health effects from exposure, including autoimmune, kidney and neurological. Many people have concerns about the mercury contained within amalgam fillings and would prefer to have this removed entirely.

A good dental practitioner will take careful steps to ensure that when a filling is removed, there is no danger of mercury exposure for the patient.

If your fillings present decay, are broken, chipped, damaged or you have a toothache, then this is a good indication that the time is right to replace the amalgam filling.

A 3D optical scan is taken of the prepared tooth surface and the new piece is designed.

Options for the Removal of Amalgam Fillings

Removing amalgam fillings and replacing them with tooth-colored ceramic inlays is an excellent option. Inlays allow the dentist to restore the contour on the biting surface of the tooth, creating a more stable bite. This also adds strength because the inlay is bonded to the tooth, and improves the aesthetics.

In fact, because these restorations are of such high precision, only a dentist could tell which teeth have inlays.

On the other hand, some patients ask us about composite resin. This is not recommended for the replacement of amalgam fillings. Composite resin is a special type of ‘paste’ which is good for newly formed, very small cavities. However, this is not a strong material for large extension restorations and it does not create the correct contour or biting surface for replacing amalgam fillings.

This is a ceramic inlay restoration, made by 3D CAD CAM System in just one appointment.

The Removal of Amalgam Fillings

The removal and replacement of amalgam fillings should be undertaken with great caution by the treating dentist. It is important to minimize the patient’s exposure to mercury vapors during the removal process.

Fillings are always kept cool during the removal process and a rubber dam is used to keep fragments of the amalgam filling from entering into the patient’s mouth. A high vacuum suction system is used to immediately remove all amalgam particles once they become loose and an alternative source of pure oxygen can also be provided.

This is the newly restored tooth, with a perfectly created ceramic inlay

MODERN DENTISTRY IN LIMA – THE NEXT STEP

If dental care in Peru is something you may be interested in, please contact us to ask any questions you may have. We’re also on WhatsApp for quick and effective communication.