How do you get an amalgam filling removed?

See your dentist: Your dentist can help you get your amalgam filling removed. Usually you will need to have your tooth anesthetized and then the amalgam filling can be drilled out and replaced with a composite filling or crown.

Drilling: The dentist will remove your amalgam filling with a drill, just like it was done originally. With local anesthetic, this is very comfortable.....Just a little noisy. Don't worry.

Easily: In the same manner that the filling was originally placed, it can be easily and gently removed by drilling it out. Some patient take "sweet air" others local anesthetic and some don't even require anything for this procedure. If it needs to be removed consider using a tooth colored bonded filling to replace it. They are almost invisible and require less drilling.

Mercury safe : 1) anesthetize 2) latex free dam & goggles 3) high quality strong dental suction-dental assistant in control 4) oxygen for patient to breathe 5) dentist electric drill - high torque & slower speed. Plenty of water spray to reduce heat build which causes mercury vapor release 6) chunk out filling -do not just drill it out 7) office amalgam separator 8) once removed, remove dam, thorough rinse.

Removal by burr cut.: Amalgams are removed using a high speed dental drill with a carbide or diamond bur which is "washed" by air/water spray to keep the tooth from overheating and being traumatized and the mercury from volatilizing from its binding silver. The procedure id performed in the active presence of a high velocity air/suction evacuation system.