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How Much Does Silver Fillings Removal Cost?

Posted on by AllSmiles.

I have five silver fillings that my previous dentist placed. I’ve had them for 10-15 years but did not get them all at once. I recently relocated to NC and am looking for a new dentist. I want someone to remove the silver fillings and replace them with composite safely. I found five dental offices online and will call them about safe amalgam removal. How much should I expect to pay to remove and replace the fillings? Thank you. Alyson

Alyson,

Thank you for contacting Delaune Dental in Metairie, Louisiana, about silver fillings removal.

How Much Does Silver Fillings Removal Cost?

The cost of a silver (amalgam) fillings removal and replacement with white fillings depends on several factors, including:

  • The condition of your tooth
  • The location of the affected tooth
  • The filling size
  • Dental fees where you live in the U.S.
  • The dentist’s process for removal and replacement

Silver Filling Removal Cost

Dentists vary in their process and cost for removing amalgam fillings. You can expect fees of $500 to $1,000 or more, depending on whether a dentist practices safe amalgam removal. When you call dental offices for pricing, ask how the dentist removes amalgam fillings, which affects the fees.

What Is the Cost of a Composite Filling?

A composite, tooth-colored filling can cost $300 or more. But the cost depends on the condition of the tooth and filling size. Some fillings are so large that a cosmetic dentist may recommend a porcelain overlay, a custom ceramic restoration that covers one or more biting surfaces of a tooth.

What Is the Cost of Safe Amalgam Removal?

Image left of silver amalgam fillings loaded with mercury. Image right: mercury-free composite fillings

Ask a cosmetic dentist about mercury-free fillings

Some dentists who practice safe amalgam removal and replacement with white fillings charge $900 to $2,000 or more per tooth, depending on the tooth’s condition. When you ask questions about a dentist’s fees, specify which teeth are affected and whether the dentist practices safe amalgam removal.

After an exam and x-rays, a dentist can give you a more accurate estimate for replacing your silver fillings. If you have dental insurance, you can send a treatment estimate to the insurance company to project your out-of-pocket costs.

Metairie cosmetic dentist Dr. Duane Delaune sponsors this post. Read details about how Dr. Delaune strives to provide some of the best dental care in Metairie.

My Dentist Won’t Admit He Ruined My Bridge

Posted on by AllSmiles.

While placing two new crowns last December, my dentist nicked one of the crowns in a Maryland bridge that I got in 2002. The bridge is old, but I had no intention of replacing it because it is in good condition. And the nicked crown is my left front tooth. Two weeks later, I noticed silver showing through the crown that my dentist nicked. He insisted that the problem was from grinding my teeth, but he knew better. My dentist quickly notices any changes in my teeth, so he would have told me if my teeth grinding was causing a problem. Besides that, I wear a nighttime mouth guard.

Anyway, when I complained about the silver dot, my dentist asked me to schedule an appointment, and he placed composite over the dot. Now the dot is showing through the composite. I know the crowns have metal beneath them, but I am concerned that I need a new bridge. Now I don’t trust my dentist. I was supposed to get silver fillings replaced next, but I am hesitant to have him do any more work on my teeth. Do I have a choice or an alternative to replacing the Maryland bridge? – Wendy from Queens, NY

Wendy,

Thank you for your question. Although many dentists have adjusted a patient’s bite and damaged the crown, it usually does not happen to front teeth. Your dentist probably does not want to admit his mistake because it would obligate him to replace your Maryland bridge.

We suggest that you find a dentist for a second opinion. Ask the dentist if the crowns on your bridge show signs of teeth grinding. Some dentists use this method to detect the cause of damage:

  • Glide a metal explorer over the porcelain, which will not leave a mark if the damage is not from a dental bur. The metal explorer would leave a mark if a dental bur damaged your crown.

Ask the second-opinion dentist to document their findings. Return to your dentist with an explanation of the results.

Repairing a Nicked Crown in a Maryland Bridge

It is challenging to repair a nick in a porcelain-fused-to-metal crown without replacing the Maryland bridge. Your dentist’s attempt to improve the crown with composite did not work. Panavia is a brand of dental bonding cement that will bond to metal. An experienced cosmetic dentist may successfully hide the metal with these steps:

  • Grind away more of the metal to make room for the Panavia dental bonding cement
  • Use a micro-etcher to roughen the metal
  • Prime the metal before applying a thin layer of the bonding cement
  • Cure the cement and apply composite that matches the crown color
  • Shape and polish the cement

Whenever it is time to replace the bridge, newer ceramic options will give you durability and natural-looking results. You can also ask about replacing your silver fillings. This technique is not a guarantee. Seek a highly experienced cosmetic dentist for a second opinion to evaluate your Maryland bridge and discuss your options for saving it.
Image left of silver amalgam fillings loaded with mercury. Image right: mercury-free composite fillings

Dr. Duane Delaune, a Metairie, Louisiana, cosmetic dentist, sponsors this post.