681 Encinitas Blvd Suite 309, Encinitas, CA 92024
(760) 632-0320
Mercury (amalgam) fillings have been used in dentistry for decades and are often referred to as “silver fillings.” What many patients are unaware of is that these restorations are composed of approximately fifty percent elemental mercury. Mercury is a known neurotoxin, and small amounts of vapor can be released from amalgam fillings over time, especially during chewing, grinding, or dental procedures that disturb the filling.
At Moonlight Beach Dental, we believe that removing mercury fillings requires far more care than conventional dental techniques provide. Our approach is designed to prioritize patient safety, reduce unnecessary exposure, and support overall wellness throughout the process.
When mercury fillings are drilled or removed without proper precautions, mercury vapor and particles can be inhaled or absorbed through the oral tissues. While traditional dental removal methods may focus primarily on restoring the tooth, they often do not adequately address vapor control, airway protection, or environmental exposure.
Our philosophy is rooted in biological and holistic dentistry, which recognizes that oral health is closely connected to whole-body health. For this reason, we take a comprehensive and precautionary approach when removing mercury fillings, ensuring that both the patient and dental team are protected throughout the procedure.
Moonlight Beach Dental follows advanced safe mercury removal protocols, often referred to as SMART-based techniques. These protocols are designed to significantly reduce mercury exposure during the removal process by addressing airflow, filtration, isolation, and technique.
During your appointment, multiple layers of protection are used to limit mercury vapor from entering your airway or being absorbed by the body. High-volume suction and advanced air filtration systems are used to capture mercury at the source, while protective barriers help isolate the treatment area. Patients breathe clean air or oxygen throughout the procedure, minimizing inhalation of any contaminants.
Rather than aggressively drilling out fillings, mercury restorations are carefully sectioned and removed in larger pieces whenever possible. This approach reduces heat and friction, which are known to increase mercury vapor release. All debris is properly captured and disposed of according to environmental and safety standards.
Amalgam fillings are commonly called silver fillings because they cause a noticeable silver appearance in your teeth. This can be a big problem when the fillings are located at the front of the mouth, in teeth that are visible when you smile. This may make patients feel insecure about their smile, avoid taking photos, and take a toll on their self-esteem. Today, there are much more aesthetically pleasing filling alternatives.
Did you know that pregnant or breastfeeding women and young children shouldn’t receive silver fillings? Mercury is especially harmful to these demographics, and if a patient has a metal allergy, they can also have reactions to the metals in the fillings.
The ADA has published guidelines concerning amalgam fillings, and scientific research at this time indicates that amalgam fillings are safe. However, many patients in Encinitas, CA, seeking biomimetic dentistry would feel more comfortable with a mercury-free alternative that they know won’t release toxic fumes if they become damaged or need to be replaced.
After mercury fillings are safely removed, the tooth is restored using mercury-free, biocompatible materials selected with your long-term health in mind. These modern restorations are designed to support both function and aesthetics while avoiding materials that may be of concern to patients seeking a more holistic approach to dentistry.
We take time to evaluate the condition of the tooth and surrounding structures to ensure the replacement restoration supports durability, comfort, and oral health stability.
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For many patients, mercury removal is not just a dental procedure but part of a larger wellness journey. Depending on individual health history and sensitivity, we may recommend a phased approach to removal or supportive strategies to help the body process and eliminate toxins efficiently. In some cases, coordination with integrative or holistic healthcare providers may be encouraged to ensure the body is well supported throughout the process.
Our goal is to help patients feel informed, supported, and confident—not rushed—when making decisions about mercury filling removal.
Patients often explore mercury removal for a variety of reasons, including aging or failing fillings, cosmetic concerns, sensitivity, or a desire for a more biologically aligned dental approach. During a personalized consultation, we will review your dental health, discuss your concerns, and determine whether mercury filling removal is appropriate for you.
At Moonlight Beach Dental, we believe dentistry should support overall wellness while respecting each patient’s individual needs and preferences.
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Our priority is to keep you informed, every step of the way. Here are a few questions that patients frequently ask.
Mercury is a neurotoxin that can cause many health problems, including damage to the brain and kidneys. Mercury exposure can also cause headaches, insomnia, nerve damage, and respiratory issues.
Patients may have concerns that mercury is being released from their fillings every time they chew. If your fillings become damaged, broken, or fall out, this is an even bigger problem. This can expose you to toxic levels of mercury or even lead to mercury poisoning.
At Moonlight Beach Dental, we believe that quality dental care shouldn’t break the bank. That’s why we’ve created the Moonlight Beach Dental Savings Plan. This membership is a yearly treatment plan that saves you over $800 every year on dental services that you need to keep a beautiful, healthy smile.
