Mercury Amalgam Removal Cost

Various materials are used to fill the teeth cavities. In most cases, dentists use silver amalgam. Other materials like gold, porcelain, plastic, and composite resin can also be used.  Although silver and mercury tooth fillings are the best materials to get rid of cavities. But, these fillings are made from heavy metals and can cause health-related problems. Recently, many techniques are used in dentistry to remove mercury amalgam fillings. According to research reports it is estimated to cost from $175 to $315 per tooth. It can vary depending upon the size of the filling and other medical requirements like x-rays examination etc. 

Teeth Cavity:

Teeth cavities are the decayed areas of the teeth that take the form of an empty hole on teeth. These decayed areas are the permanent changes on the hard surface of teeth. These can be caused by bacteria, food, acid, etc. Multiple reasons can be behind a tooth cavity, it starts with the decaying of the teeth in a small area which can increase in size if left untreated. 

Teeth Cavities Treatment:

Although the cavities are a permanent change and cannot be reverted to their original form after the treatment as well. Numerous treatments are suggested b the dentists to treat cavities. It is almost impossible to treat them naturally. The tooth decays can be treated by filling them with materials like gold, porcelain, mercury amalgam, etc. Filling the decayed areas of the teeth is the only option for treating cavities.

Mercury Amalgam Filling:

Mercury amalgam has been used as a filling material for teeth cavities by dentists for almost 200 years now. It is composed of an amalgam of silver, tin, and copper mixed with an equal amount of mercury. This gives it a silver color which is why it is commonly referred to as a silver filling. There is a general concept of this heavy metal causes health-related risks. Although no solid link is found between dental mercury filling and human health. Recently, many people opted to get their mercury amalgam filling removed and replace it with some other safe material. 

Mercury Amalgam Filling Removal:

As there are many new materials introduced in the field of dentistry that can be used to fill teeth cavities and are a lot safer than mercury amalgam. Many clinics not only offer to remove mercury amalgam filling removal. They also include the services of refilling the cavity using non-mercury filling materials. Compound resins, ceramics, porcelain, etc. are being extensively used in place of mercury fillings. Apart from the health risks related to mercury fillings. Other filling materials are safer and even match well with the teeth. 

Mercury Amalgam Filling Removal Cost:

Mercury Amalgam filling removal costs between $115 and $300 per tooth. This cost can increase depending upon

the size of the filling to be removedrefilling cavity with new material if patient demandsx-rays to check dental health

Mercury Amalgam filling replacement with a new safer material can cost from $160-$325. 

Mercury Amalgam Filling Removal Procedure:

Dentists follow proper treatment procedures to remove the mercury amalgam filling. As well as to refill it. 

After the preliminary necessary steps dentists drill hole beside the cavity to create just enough space to remove the mercury filling either by hand or some tool.  After removal of the filling mouth is cleaned. For refilling, filing material is according to the choice of the patients which can be done on the next appointment.    

Risks:

Many risks are associated with a simple removal of mercury amalgam filling. Although mercury fillings are considered the strongest and can go a lifetime without causing major health hazards. Due to the modern concepts of safer filling materials for the cavities. Many people choose to get their mercury amalgam filling removed. Apart from the costly charges, it is associated with health risks if the vapors of mercury filling are inhaled by chance during the treatment process. Also, the filling removal process causes more areas of teeth to get damaged by the dentistry tools to remove the already present filling and replace the cavity again with a new filling material.  

Conclusion:

Lately, a new change has been observed in the majority of the people facing the dentistry problems like teeth cavities. The teeth cavities are neither a new problem nor filling these cavities is a new concept. Several materials are being used by dentists for the filling purpose of the teeth cavities. Mercury amalgams fillings were widely used by most dentists, but due to the unproven concept of mercury fillings causing health risks. New safer materials are now used instead of mercury fillings. Most of the people who already had mercury amalgam filling their tooth cavities are now getting it removed. It costs them almost $115-$300. The refilling of the tooth cavities and x-ray reports can add up the charges depending upon the size of the cavity. 

How long do the mercury fillings last?

Filling the teeth cavities with mercury amalgam can last up to 15 years.

Does filling teeth cavities with mercury amalgam cause risks to the health?

It has been reported in some people that the mercury amalgam filling has caused allergies and other mild infections.

Is it better to get the mercury amalgam filling removed?

If you are having symptoms like headaches, nerve damage, insomnia, etc. It is better to get mercury filling removed as some people can show allergic symptoms to it.