Composite vs. Amalgam Fillings
If you need to have a cavity filled, you may be wondering what the best materials option is. Dentistry has evolved over the years and
Mercury Filling Removal
Older amalgam or “silver” fillings often contain mercury, and can cause problems for the patient when it comes time to remove or replace them. Our office is mercury-free and has strict processes in place to contain mercury exposure and offer a safe removal of such fillings with no adverse effects.
Mercury Filling Removal Santa Rosa
Mercury is Toxic.
If you’ve received an amalgam filling, it is composed of silver, tin, copper and mercury, which is toxic to the body.
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.
Replace Your Fillings with Safer Alternatives.
Our office is proudly mercury-free. We offer a number of safe, modern filling alternatives to replace your old fillings.
Remove toxic mercury fillings
Many older dental fillings contain mercury as part of the materials they were made from, but in recent years, dental mercury has become a topic of concern regarding patient health. Mercury in all forms is toxic, and when these older fillings need to be removed and replaced, they can pose a risk to both patient and dental professionals as they release mercury vapor.
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're a Mercury-Free Dental Practice
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 in keeping our office mercury-free.
When we replace fillings, you can also be assured we don’t use amalgam containing mercury as a filling material. Instead, we use composite resin, gold, or porcelain fillings, depending on the patient and the tooth. Dr. McCormick will discuss the options available with each patient and help choose the right material for the situation.
Schedule a consultation today
Do you need mercury fillings removed? Let us safely remove those fillings 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. He graduated from U.S.C. school of dentistry and subsequently opened his practice in Santa Rosa, finding Sonoma County to be an ideal place to locate.
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. Click here to read more about Dr. McCormick.
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. Jessy Singh:
Dr. Jessy Singh is a dentist in Santa Rosa, California committed to crafting healthy, radiant smiles with precision and care. She has a strong foundation with a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from Touro College of Dental Medicine and a Bachelor of Science degree from Santa Clara University. She then continued her education, pursuing an Advanced Education in General Dentistry from the University of the Pacific.
Dr. Singh’s professional expertise spans a comprehensive range of dental procedures including examinations, restorations, extractions, and implants. Dr. Singh is particularly passionate about comprehensive treatment planning and enjoys performing crown and bridge procedures. She works to ensure each patient receives care tailored to their needs. Learn more about Dr. Singh
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