Amalgam Removal in Rosenberg, TX

The Problem With Amalgam Fillings

Amalgam or silver fillings tend to cause several problems that necessitate their safe removal. Some of the issues caused by silver fillings include:

• Discoloration: Over time, the metal in amalgam fillings can cause the surrounding tooth to turn a different color, making it look darker or grayish. This color change can make the smile less attractive and noticeable.
• Sensitivity: When you eat or drink hot or cold things, like soup or ice cream, the metal in amalgam fillings can expand or contract, causing discomfort or pain in the tooth. It’s like a small reaction happening inside your mouth.
• Toxic & Allergic Reactions: Amalgam fillings contain mercury, which can be harmful if it leaks into your body. Additionally, some people might be allergic to the metals in the fillings, leading to irritation or other reactions in the mouth.
• Corrosion: The metal in amalgam fillings can break down over time, especially if you eat acidic foods or drinks. This breakdown can create tiny holes in the filling, allowing bacteria to get in and cause decay.
• Dislodgement: Because amalgam fillings are stiff, they can crack or break away from the tooth if you bite down on something hard or if there’s too much pressure on them. This can weaken the tooth and make it more vulnerable to further damage.
• Staining: The metals in amalgam fillings can sometimes leave dark stains on the nearby tooth enamel, making the tooth look discolored and unattractive. It’s like a permanent mark that’s hard to get rid of without additional dental work.

Benefits of Amalgam Removal

Improved Oral Health

Removing potentially risky amalgam fillings eliminates the chance of exposure to mercury and other harmful metals. This reduces the risk of mercury toxicity, and allergic reactions, promoting oral health and well-being.

Enhanced Aesthetic Appearance

Amalgam fillings can often be noticeable due to their dark color, whereas tooth-colored restorations provide a more natural appearance. Removing an amalgam filling and replacing it with tooth-colored dental materials, can improve the look of your smile, boosting confidence and self-esteem.

Increased Comfort and Reduced Sensitivity

Tooth-colored restorations are typically more biocompatible and less prone to temperature-related sensitivity compared to traditional amalgam fillings. Removing the amalgam material can alleviate discomfort associated with sensitivity to hot or cold foods and drinks, enhancing comfort.

Preservation of Healthy Tooth Structure

Removal of amalgam fillings allows for the preservation of healthy tooth structure. Unlike dental amalgam restorations, which require more aggressive tooth preparation, tooth-colored restorations often require less removal of healthy tooth material, helping to maintain the strength and integrity of the tooth.

Improved Durability and Longevity

Tooth-colored restorations can offer superior durability and longevity compared to amalgam fillings. They are less susceptible to corrosion and wear over time mercury amalgam fillings, providing a longer-lasting solution for dental restoration needs.

Reduction of Potential Health Risks

Beyond the immediate benefits to oral health and aesthetics, removing amalgam fillings can contribute to long-term well-being by reducing the potential for adverse health effects associated with exposure to mercury and other heavy metals. This proactive approach to dental care supports health and peace of mind.

Who Qualifies for Amalgam Removal?

You may qualify for removal of amalgam fillings if any of the following apply to you:

• Patients with existing amalgam fillings
• Individuals concerned about the potential health risks of amalgam fillings
• Those with metal allergies or sensitivities
• Patients who desire a more natural-looking smile
• Individuals experiencing discoloration, sensitivity, or other issues with amalgam fillings
• Pregnant or breastfeeding women (to minimize mercury exposure)
• Patients with compromised immune systems or chronic illnesses

The Amalgam Removal Process

Consultation

Before having your amalgam fillings removed, you’ll have an initial consultation. At the outset, Dr. Collins or Dr. Hatcher will thoroughly assess your oral health. They’ll take the time to understand your concerns and discuss any specific issues you may have with your current fillings. Based on this consultation, they’ll develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to your needs.

Preparation

Before the removal procedure begins, strict safety measures will be implemented to safeguard both you and the dental team. This includes the use of protective gear by dental office personnel such as masks and gloves, as well as specialized air filtration systems designed to minimize the dispersal of mercury vapor into the environment. These precautions are crucial for ensuring a safe and controlled removal process.

Amalgam Removal

Using specialized techniques and tools, the dentist will meticulously remove the amalgam fillings from your teeth. Care will be taken to minimize any disruption to the surrounding tooth structure, preserving as much healthy tissue as possible. 

Throughout the procedure, the dental team will monitor the mercury levels and vapor levels to maintain a safe environment. Once the fillings are removed, the tooth will be prepared for the placement of new, biocompatible restorations, ensuring optimal oral health and aesthetics.

Amalgam Replacement Options

Once your amalgam fillings are removed, we can offer a number of options for replacement, including: 

• Composite Resin Fillings: Composite resin fillings are tooth-colored and bond directly to the tooth, providing a natural-looking and durable restoration.
• Ceramic Fillings: Ceramic fillings are highly aesthetic and resistant to staining, making them an excellent choice for visible areas of the mouth.
• Glass Ionomer Cement (GIC): GIC fillings release fluoride, helping to prevent further decay, and are often used in non-load-bearing areas.

Financing Amalgam Removal

Removal of amalgam fillings is a procedure that helps protect the oral and overall health of our patients, and we believe costs shouldn’t get in the way of having a strong, healthy smile. To help patients afford amalgam removal and replacement, we provide the following financing options:

Insurance

For patients with dental insurance coverage, Rosenberg Dental and Implant Center will work with your provider to maximize your benefits and minimize out-of-pocket costs for the removal of amalgam fillings and replacement.

Cash

Patients without insurance or those who prefer to pay out-of-pocket can take advantage of our affordable cash prices for dental amalgam removal and replacement services.

Credit Cards

We accept major credit cards, including Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover, to make paying for safe mercury filling removal and replacement services more convenient.

CareCredit

CareCredit is a popular healthcare financing option that allows you to spread out the cost over convenient monthly payments. They often have special promotional periods with 0% interest, so be sure to check their website for current offers.

Lending Club

Lending Club is a personal loan provider that offers competitive rates and flexible terms for financing dental procedures like amalgam removal and replacement.

Proceed Finance

Proceed Finance is a healthcare financing company that provides a variety of payment plans and options to help make your amalgam removal procedure and replacement services more affordable.

Sunbit

Sunbit is a buy-now, pay-later financing solution that allows you to spread out the cost of your mercury filling removal and replacement services over time with flexible payment options.

Cherry Payment Plan

The Cherry Payment Plan is a patient financing option that offers interest-free payment plans for dental procedures, including amalgam removal and replacement services.

Frequently Asked Questions

Reclaim Your Smile, Call Us for Amalgam Removal in Rosenberg, TX

Don’t let outdated and potentially harmful amalgam fillings compromise your oral health and confidence. Take the first step towards a safer, more beautiful smile by scheduling your amalgam removal consultation with Dr. Samuel Collins at Rosenberg Dental and Implant Center. 

Call us today at (281) 369-9242 to explore your options and embark on a journey to improved well-being. We welcome patients from Rosenberg, Beasley, Sugar Land, Simonton, TX, and beyond. Trust our compassionate team to provide you with the personalized care you deserve.