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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.

Is My Dentist Too Old School?

Posted on by writeradmin.

I’ve been going to my dentist for over 15 years. I really like him, but I’m wondering if he’s losing his touch. I don’t think he always keeps up with his field anymore. I asked him to remove one of my dental fillings because of the amalgam content and he said it’s not safe to do that and I should just leave it in. Can you please explain to me if it is not safe to remove because I’ll ingest some mercury, why it is supposedly safe to have it in my mouth at all?

Carrie

Dear Carrie,

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

Mercury-Free Dentists Know How to Do Sanitary Amalgam Removals

You asked a great question. Why should a patient feel safe having mercury in their filling if it is considered unsafe to remove it? Your dentist should be asking the same question. The truth is, you can have this filling removed safely if that is what you want. However, you’ll have to go to a different dentist to have it done.

You’ll want a dentist who knows how to do a sanitary amalgam removal. You could do an internet search for a “mercury-free dentist” online. They’ll know the proper method for preventing you from inhaling any mercury vapors or swallowing any bits. You shouldn’t have much trouble finding one unless you live in a very isolated area.

That leads me to the other issue you brought up. Your dentist not keeping up with the advancements in his field. This is actually a big issue. While most states have a minimum amount of continuing education dentists must take every year, some dentists do just that—the bare minimum.

You want a dentist who is passionate about his work. Science changes all the time. That’s because we learn more as we go along. I once looked at an old magazine which had an advertisement promoting the superiority of lead paint. Now we know it is toxic. This is why you want a medical professional to keep up. It’s a lot of work doing that, which is why a passion for your field makes it easier to keep up. It’s likely time for you to find a dentist who still has that passion.

This blog is brought to you by New Orleans Dentist Dr. Duane Delaune.

Dentist Won’t Remove My Mercury Fillings

Posted on by writeradmin.

I have a mouthful of silver fillings. I learned a few weeks ago they are mostly made of mercury. This terrifies me because of the neurotoxicity. I went to my dentist and asked him to remove them and replace them with the white fillings. He refused because he said it’s too dangerous for me because I’ll inhale the mercury. If it’s too dangerous to take out, surely it’s too dangerous to keep in. What should I do?

Maya

Dear Maya,

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

It is understandable that you’re nervous about having a large amount of mercury in your mouth. There is a special procedure known as a sanitary amalgam removal which is designed to protect you from inhaling or swallowing any mercury.

However, it sounds like your dentist doesn’t know that procedure. It wouldn’t be safe for you to have him do the removal. If you are serious about removing them, your best option would be to locate a mercury-free dentist in your area. Almost all of them know how to do this procedure and already has the necessary equipment.

Mercury-free Fillings and Tooth Color

Before you get your white fillings, you want to think about your tooth color. The filling material can be made to match your teeth. However, the color is permanent. If you decide to whiten your teeth later, your natural tooth structure will whiten, but not the composite fillings.

That doesn’t bother some people at all. If you feel that way, then no problem. However, if it will bug you the simple solution is the get your teeth bleached before you switch out your fillings. You can do that two different ways.

Your first option is to have your dentist make you custom fitted trays and provide you with professional strength whitening gel. This will allow you to whiten at home as well as control the level of whitening.

If you want it to work faster, so you can get your fillings removed sooner, you can look at Zoom Whitening. This is an in-office procedure which gets your teeth very white in just one appointment.

This blog is brought to you by New Orleans Dentist Dr. Duane Delaune.