Amalgam Removal

We offer safe amalgam removal and filling replacements using biocompatible materials.

The Keys Dental Amalgam Removal Procedure

We offer safe amalgam removal and filling replacements using biocompatible materials.

We follow strict safety protocols during every amalgam removal procedure, reducing the exposure to mercury vapours for both patients and our staff.

Our dental vacuum allows for safe mercury removal before we use a rubber dam to isolate the treatment area. A hospital-grade oxygen mask and ozone gas ensure a safe and pain-free experience for our patients.

Our goal is to provide a comfortable experience while effectively replacing amalgam fillings with healthier alternatives that support your long-term wellbeing.

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How Mercury Poisoning Can Occur With Amalgam Fillings

Amalgam fillings are composed of approximately 50% mercury, a toxic metal that can release vapours over time.

Everyday actions such as chewing or grinding your teeth can cause mercury vapours to be released, which are then absorbed through inhalation or ingestion.

Prolonged exposure to mercury can pose significant health risks, affecting the nervous system, kidneys, and other vital organs.

While not all patients experience noticeable symptoms, those with sensitivities to mercury may be more vulnerable.

5 Reasons To Consider Amalgam Removal

Mercury

Mercury exposure is one of the most concerning aspects of amalgam fillings. Replacing these fillings can reduce your overall mercury exposure, contributing to better health, especially for those who are sensitive to mercury or have underlying health conditions.

Cracks

Amalgam fillings tend to expand and contract with temperature changes, which can lead to cracks in your teeth over time. These cracks increase the risk of further damage and decay, making amalgam removal an essential preventive measure to protect your teeth.

Decay

Over time, amalgam fillings can contribute to further tooth decay. The edges of an old amalgam filling can create tiny gaps that allow bacteria to enter, causing new decay beneath the filling. By replacing these with modern composite materials, we can help prevent future decay.

Aesthetics

Amalgam fillings are metallic and can be easily noticed when you smile or talk. Composite fillings, on the other hand, are tooth-coloured and blend seamlessly with your natural teeth, enhancing the overall appearance of your smile.

Allergies

Some patients may develop sensitivities or allergies to the metals present in amalgam fillings, leading to symptoms such as oral discomfort or skin reactions. Removing amalgam fillings and replacing them with biocompatible alternatives can alleviate these issues.

Every Day Sources of Mercury

There are 3 forms of mercury that we may be exposed to in our daily lives.

The first is elemental mercury, the form of mercury found in amalgam fillings.

The second form is inorganic mercury, typically found in things like disinfectants and fungicides.

The third form is organic mercury, and this is found most commonly in fish. Consumption of fish is the most common route of exposure of organic mercury for humans.

A 2003 study from the World Health Organisation[3] showed that by 1999, dental amalgam fillings were the primary source of mercury exposure for the general population.

Over the years, amalgam fillings have become less common, and as of 2017, the WHO states that mercury exposure mainly occurs through consumption of fish and shellfish contaminated with organic mercury, as well as the inhalation of mercury vapours during industrial processes.

Reducing amalgam fillings can help lower your overall mercury exposure and its associated health risks.

What Does The Research Say About Mercury Toxicity?

A 2024 study by the Institute of Chronic Illnesses[1] examined the impact of mercury vapour exposure among 1,665,890 pregnant women.

The study concluded that the 36% (600,000) of the women in this study had at least one amalgam surface, daily urinary mercury excretion was 2.5-fold higher than the women without amalgams.

Among all pregnant women, ~28% received daily Hg vapour doses from amalgams above the least restrictive United States (US) Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) safety limit and ~36% received above the most restrictive California (CA) EPA safety limit.

A 2022 study also by the Institute of Chronic Illnesses[2] examined a much wider sample size of 158,274,824 adult Americans.

Daily Hg (mercury) vapour doses from amalgams were in excess of the most restrictive California’s Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) safety limit for about 86 million (54.3%) adults and in excess of the least restrictive US EPA safety limit among about 16 million (10.4%) adults