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Mercury Filling Removal
Older amalgam or “silver” fillings often contain mercury, and take special techniques and equipment to properly remove and replace. Our office is mercury-free and has strict processes in place to contain mercury exposure and offer a safe removal of such fillings in Santa Rosa with no adverse effects.
We Remove Mercury Fillings Santa Rosa
Silver Amalgam Fillings Contain Mercury.
If you’ve received an amalgam filling, it is composed of silver, tin, copper and mercury. Because mercury is toxic to the body, it’s important to remove silver fillings carefully.
We're Trained in Mercury Removal Safety.
Our office team is specially trained in mercury filling removal. We use special masks and protective materials to safely remove and dispose of mercury fillings in Santa Rosa.
Replace Your Fillings with Safer Alternatives.
We proudly offer mercury-free fillings in Santa Rosa using a number of safe, modern alternatives for tooth-colored fillings that last.
Why Consider Amalgam Filling Removal?
Older dental fillings made from amalgam contain mercury as part of the materials they were made from. In recent years, dental mercury has become a topic of concern regarding patient health. Because dental amalgam expands and contracts more than enamel, silver fillings are more likely to cause cracks in a tooth as they age, leading to larger treatment needs like crowns. Plus, silver fillings can affect the appearance of your smile and make your teeth look dark, gray, or dingy.
When amalgam fillings need to be removed and replaced, it can release mercury vapor, which can be toxic if inhaled. That’s why it is essential to see a dentist with experience performing amalgam removal safely.
What Fillings Contain Mercury?
Often called “silver fillings” for their silvery color, amalgam fillings are a longstanding method of filling cavities, and are typically the cheapest option available to patients. In fact, that silvery color comes from liquid mercury used in the dental amalgam material, which also includes an alloy of other metals, such as silver, tin, and copper. These fillings are long-lasting, and don’t degrade over time or leak mercury into your body.
But, when they need to be removed because of additional tooth decay or other tooth issues, patients sometimes report adverse reactions or falling sick after amalgam filling removal. In order to remove these fillings safely, Dr. McCormick has undertaken specialized training, which allows us to offer our patients a safe method of removing mercury-containing fillings.
We Provide Mercury-Free Fillings in Santa Rosa
We are a mercury-free dental office and offer mercury safe dentistry. As a mercury-free dentist, Dr. McCormick is acutely aware of the potential for excess mercury exposure when removing amalgam fillings. There are a number of strategies for safe mercury removal and preventing mercury exposure to both patients and dental staff during amalgam removal.
These include draping our patients to prevent any skin exposure, using an oxygen mask over the patient’s nose to keep mercury vapor out of their airway, using dental barriers during removal to prevent swallowing any amalgam particles, and using high-speed suction to vacuum any mercury vapor. Our team also wears protective breathing equipment to avoid mercury inhalation. These are the most up-to-date procedures for mercury filling removal, and we are always making an effort to stay current with new developments to ensure we’re always a safe, mercury-free dental office in Santa Rosa.
When we replace fillings, you can also rest assured we don’t use amalgam containing mercury as a filling material. Instead, we use composite resin, gold, or porcelain fillings, depending on your specific needs and smile goals. Dr. McCormick will discuss the best options for your situation and help you choose the right material for your smile.
Schedule a consultation today
Do you need mercury fillings removed? Let us safely replace your silver fillings in Santa Rosa with the most up to date procedures. Contact us to set up a consultation today.
Book an appointment today:
Meet the Santa Rosa Dentists Dedicated to Giving Your Smile the Personalized Care It Deserves
About Dr. Andrew McCormick:
Dr. Andrew T. McCormick is a native Californian originally from Monterey County.
In January 2010, he became an accredited member of AACD, one of 350 dentists worldwide, after extensive work to raise his level of expertise in cosmetic and rehabilitative dentistry.
Voted Best Dentist in Santa Rosa by Readers of Bohemian Magazine
1 of 350 Dentists Worldwide Accredited with the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry
About Dr. Austin Griffith:
Dr. Austin Griffith, DDS, is a highly skilled Santa Rosa dentist with over 13 years
practicing general dentistry. He has expertise in restorative dentistry, prosthodontics, oral surgery, TMD/TMJ treatment, and emergency care. He has also experience with Invisalign® clear aligners, implant restoration, and sleep dentistry. With a patient-centered approach, he prioritizes building trust, using humor to ease anxieties, and educating patients about their options.
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