Ready to take the next step toward better health? Call 727-888-6523 to schedule an appointment with one of our experienced doctors at Natural & Cosmetic Dentistry. We specialize in Biological Dentistry, which means we prioritize your overall well-being while safely replacing silver (mercury) fillings using trusted, science-backed protocols. Let us help you transition to a healthier, toxin-free smile and support your body’s natural healing process. Your journey to better health starts here!
Removing mercury amalgam fillings safely.
Removing Mercury Amalgam Fillings Safely
Biological dentistry emphasizes safe, health-conscious care—especially when it comes to removing silver mercury (amalgam) fillings. These older fillings contain mercury, and many patients prefer a more protective approach when replacing them. At Natural & Cosmetic Dentistry in Clearwater, serving the Tampa Bay area, we follow the IAOMT SMART protocol to support a safer, more controlled removal process.
Our protective measures may include isolating the tooth with a rubber dam or Klean-Up barrier, using high-powered suction to capture vapors and particles, and incorporating charcoal to help bind mercury debris. We also provide guidance on supportive steps before and after removal—such as targeted supplements and sulfur-rich foods—to encourage your body’s natural elimination pathways.
For safer mercury filling removal in Clearwater and throughout Tampa Bay, call 727-888-6523 to schedule your visit.
These are some of the precautions we take:
- A rubber dam (a sheet of rubber) or a Klean-UP to isolate the other teeth and to prevent the amalgam from going down the patient’s throat.
- A super strong dry suction to ensure vapors are eliminated and exit the building.
- Charcoal to absorb the amalgam dust.
We always ask that the patient return to their healthcare professional after the Silver Mercury fillings are replaced, and to follow their Doctor’s instructions in order to detoxify the mercury.
A body that is mineral and sulfur deficient can’t detox mercury. It hangs on to the mercury rather than letting go. Having sufficient sulfur and minerals in the body is essential to detoxing mercury. Please see below for our recommendations.
General suggestions prior to mercury removal:
- No vitamin C – 2 days before dental appointment
- Take all regularly schedule medicines, including blood pressure medication
- Eat a good meal before your appointment
- May need up to 4 hours for appointment – please plan accordingly
Recommended supplements to take:
- Multi-vitamins
- Minerals
- Progreens
- Electrolytes
- Msm – 1000/2000 mg per day
- Chlorella
- Vitamin C – 1000 mg
Recommended foods high in sulphur:
- Eggs
- Green leafy vegetables
- Garlic
- Onion
After removal:
- See your doctor for detox & chelation
- Consider doing colonic
- Consider getting vitamin C IV (intravenous)
Frequently Asked Questions
What are “silver” mercury fillings?
“Silver” fillings are also called amalgam fillings. They’re made from a mixture of metals and can contain mercury.
Why is safe removal important?
Mercury can release vapor, and removal with a dental drill can create vapor and particles. Safe removal focuses on reducing what you might breathe in or swallow during the process by using protective measures.
Do you follow a specific safety protocol for removal?
Yes. Our office follows a recognized safe-removal approach (SMART protocol) designed to reduce exposure during amalgam removal.
What safety precautions do you use during removal?
Common safety measures may include:
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Tooth isolation (such as a rubber dam or protective barrier) to keep debris from going down the throat
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High-powered suction and air evacuation to capture particles and vapor
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Continuous water cooling to reduce vapor
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Removing the filling in larger pieces when possible (instead of grinding it down)
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Additional protective steps for comfort and safety during the procedure
Will I breathe oxygen during the procedure?
In many safe-removal setups, patients may breathe oxygen through a nasal cannula to reduce breathing the air directly around the mouth while the filling is removed.
How long does a mercury filling removal appointment take?
Removal appointments can take longer than a standard filling appointment. Depending on how many fillings are being removed and replaced, you may need to plan for an extended visit.
What should I do before my appointment?
Typical preparation may include:
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Eat a good meal beforehand
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Take your regularly scheduled medications as directed by your physician
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Follow any specific pre-visit instructions given by our team (we’ll tell you exactly what applies to your case)
Do you recommend supplements before or after safe mercury filling removal?
Some patients choose supportive supplements before and after removal. If we recommend any, we’ll provide clear guidance. Always check with your physician before starting supplements, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking medications.
What foods are supportive during this process?
Some patients focus on nutrient-dense foods and sulfur-containing foods (such as leafy greens, garlic, onions, and eggs) as part of overall wellness support.
What happens after my silver fillings are removed?
After removal, we’ll provide post-op instructions and discuss next steps. Some patients also choose to work with their physician or holistic provider for additional wellness support.
What materials do you use to replace mercury fillings?
We typically replace silver fillings with tooth-colored restorations selected for strength, appearance, and compatibility. Your dentist will recommend the best option based on the tooth, bite, and your goals.
How do I schedule safe mercury filling removal in Clearwater?
Call 727-888-6523 or click here to schedule your visit. We’ll review your needs, explain the process, and help you plan your next steps comfortably and safely.
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Safety Precautions Taken When Removing Silver Amalgam (Mercury) Fillings
Do you have silver mercury fillings in your mouth? Mercury can be harmful and should be removed with care. Watch this video to learn the safety protocols followed at Natural and Cosmetic Dentistry to keep their patients safe.
Video Transcript
Safety precautions practiced when removing silver amalgam (mercury) fillings.
Mercury vaporizes at room temperature. Such vapor will come out soon as a dentist touches an amalgam filling with a drill. If the patients breathe this vapor, it goes into the lungs.
Breathing in the mercury vapor can make the patient ill. To prevent this from happening, we take the following safety precautions:
Safety glasses are put over your eyes to protect them from settling mercury particles and vapor. We have you breathe pure bottled oxygen through a nasal cannula (tube) to minimize your breathing in the air around your face, which is full of mercury vapor.
A rubber dam will be placed over your mouth. It is a sheet of rubber that helps keep the mercury from going down your throat.
A high-volume air evacuator is placed directly in front of your face while the filling is being drilled out. It pulls all the air-borne particles away from your face, to prevent you from breathing/swallowing them.
Copious amounts of cold water will be constantly squirted on the filling as it’s being drilled out, to keep the temperature down.
A clean-up device will be used when necessary. The clean-up fits over the tooth and is attached to the suction, so it pulls all particles away from the tooth as the filling is being drilled out.
Powdered charcoal and chlorella are placed in your mouth under the rubber dam. Both these substances can absorb mercury particles before they get absorbed into your system.
The fillings will be taken out with as little drilling as possible, in as large chunks as possible, to minimize the amount of mercury vapor released into the air.
An industrial-strength ion generator is mounted over the patient’s chair, which electrostatically captures any particles of mercury vapor that are released.
The dental staff protects themselves by wearing industrial-grade gas masks while the mercury is being drilled out. They know that the air around them is full of mercury vapor, which could be a liability to both their bodies and to yours.
The doctors at Natural and Cosmetic Dentistry
Dr. Mikey, Dr. Carlson and Dr. Luo