Can you have amalgams (mercury fillings) removed without having a drilling?

Probably not: Often the dentist can place a few grooves within the amalgam and "chip" it out with hand instruments (not drill) and take it out in fragments or pieces.

No : Amalgams are placed in a retained undercut prepared opening. They are drilled out to remove.

NO: The only way to remove an amalgam filling is with a dental handpeice (dental drill). This must be done very carefully to avoid damage to the surrounding tooth structure. While I do not place amalgam restorations in my practice, i advise against removing existing amalgams usless there is new decay or the filling is cracked.