For many patients, old silver fillings are simply part of the dental landscape, something placed years ago and largely forgotten. But amalgam fillings, which are composed of roughly 50% mercury, have drawn growing scrutiny from both researchers and health-conscious patients. As awareness of whole-body health has deepened, more people are asking whether those restorations may be contributing to systemic concerns over time.
At Bucks County Smiles in Yardley, PA, that conversation is central to how we approach care. Our dental services are rooted in integrative dental medicine, a philosophy that treats the mouth as inseparable from the rest of the body. Dr. David Faust, Dr. Kristen Scholl, and Dr. Aimee Dehbozorgi work alongside patients’ primary care physicians and medical teams to ensure that, when appropriate, amalgam removal is handled with the full context of each patient’s health history in mind.
Dental amalgam has been used in dentistry for over 150 years. It is a durable, inexpensive material, and for decades, it was considered the standard for posterior restorations. However, the mercury content of amalgam has been the subject of ongoing research and regulatory discussion. In 2020, the FDA updated its guidance to recommend that certain high-risk populations, including:
For patients over 50, those with complex health histories, or anyone managing chronic illness, the concern is not hypothetical. Mercury vapor is released from amalgam fillings during chewing, grinding, and temperature changes. A 2021 study published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health examined mercury exposure during amalgam removal and underscored the importance of controlled removal conditions. That research affirms what we have long understood: the removal process itself requires careful protocol, not just the decision to remove.
Safe amalgam removal is not simply drilling out old fillings. It involves a coordinated set of protective measures designed to minimize exposure to mercury vapor during the procedure. When performed without these precautions, removal can temporarily increase mercury levels more than simply leaving the fillings in place.
The safety of amalgam removal depends significantly on the protocols used. Key protective measures include:
These steps reflect a commitment to whole-body health that goes beyond the tooth itself. At Bucks County Smiles, our collaborative care team integrates these precautions as standard practice.
Once an amalgam filling is removed, the tooth needs to be restored with a biocompatible material. The most common replacement options are tooth-colored composite resin or ceramic restorations, both of which are mercury-free and bond directly to the tooth structure. Our cavity fillings are placed using materials that are both aesthetically natural and structurally sound, preserving as much healthy tooth structure as possible.
For larger restorations where a filling may not provide sufficient support, a crown may be the appropriate next step. Dr. Faust has decades of experience in reconstructive and restorative dentistry, and he takes a highly individualized approach to treatment planning, ensuring the replacement option fits both the clinical need and the patient’s broader health picture.
Not every patient with amalgam fillings needs to have them removed. Existing, stable amalgam fillings in patients without symptoms or systemic concerns may not require immediate action. However, amalgam removal may be worth discussing with our team if you fall into one of the following categories.
Patients who may benefit from a consultation include those who are experiencing unexplained systemic symptoms, those who have been advised by their physician or integrative health provider to address heavy metal burden, patients whose fillings are failing, cracked, or in need of replacement anyway, and patients who are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or managing kidney or neurological conditions.
The length of an amalgam removal appointment depends on how many fillings are being addressed, their size, and their location. A single filling can often be completed in one visit. Patients with multiple restorations may require a phased approach, spacing out appointments to minimize cumulative exposure.
After removal, some practices recommend nutritional support, including antioxidants and supplements that support the body’s natural detoxification pathways. Our team coordinates with patients’ physicians when this level of post-procedure support is appropriate, particularly for patients with known mercury sensitivity or compromised detox capacity. Recovery is typically smooth, and most patients return to normal activity immediately following their appointment.
Amalgam removal in Yardley is best decided with a clinical team that takes your full health picture seriously. At Bucks County Smiles, Dr. Faust, Dr. Scholl, and Dr. Dehbozorgi combine evidence-based dentistry with a whole-body approach that recognizes the mouth as a window into systemic health. Whether you are local to Yardley or connecting remotely through our virtual visit options, we welcome patients from across the region and nationwide.
To schedule a comprehensive exam and discuss whether amalgam removal is right for you, use our contact form. We also invite you to meet Dr. David Faust, Dr. Kristen Scholl, and Dr. Aimee Dehbozorgi to learn more about the care philosophy that guides every treatment decision at our practice.
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