Having a dental filling is such a common occurrence, and most adults in the US have at least one. But what happens if the filling gets worn out or cracks? You would need a dental filling removal, of course. If you think you’re up for this procedure in the near future, take time to learn about the removal process. We’ve explained the steps, as well as the differences in the procedure depending on the type of dental filling you have.
What Is a Dental Filling and What Types of Fillings Are There?
Tooth decay, small chips, and cracks are an unavoidable part of life – you must have visited your dentist in Charlotte, NC, for one of these issues at least once in your life. If you have, you have likely gotten a filling for teeth. Fillings are dental restorations. The procedure involves your dentist filling the missing part of the tooth with a filling material. Depending on which material is used, there are a few types of dental fillings:
- Amalgam (mercury) fillings,
- Composite (resin) fillings,
- Glass ionomer fillings.
These are what restorative dentists call direct fillings – your dentist places them directly on your teeth during a simple procedure that can be done in one visit. There are also indirect fillings, which are made in a lab based on your dental impressions and later placed in your mouth. Inlays and onlays are the most commonly used indirect fillings.
Why Do Dentists Remove Fillings?
Dental fillings can last for many years – amalgam ones even more than 15 years if you pay attention to your oral hygiene. So, when do we remove them, and why is removal necessary? Just like teeth, dental fillings get worn down over time. A certain amount of wear and tear is normal, but in some cases, grinding and clenching can add to the damage, and so can decay from food and beverages. Keep in mind that fillings can fall out on their own as well.
In recent years, there has been a lot of talk about the safety of amalgam fillings due to their high mercury content, and more and more patients want their fillings removed. According to the FDA, there is no conclusive evidence that mercury fillings can cause adverse health effects in the general population.
Still, our team at Aspire Dental Wellness can understand the concern patients have. Our Dr. Sladjana Bjelac often consults patients on this matter, and if you’re thinking of getting your mercury fillings removed, she is the right person to help.
What Does Dental Filling Removal Look Like?
Before the filling removal, our Dr. Bjelac will carefully examine your filling and tooth to determine weak points and whether there’s decay to be addressed later. The next step is administering a local anesthetic to the tooth and the surrounding tissue, so you don’t feel discomfort while the dentist drills out the filling.
Before the actual removal starts, your dentist will place a rubber dam to isolate the tooth they will work on and ensure that the debris doesn’t get ingested or damage the tissue in your mouth. Now, the only thing left to do is remove the filling.
Dentists use high-speed, drill-like instruments to break down fillings for easier removal. Once the filling is removed, your dentist will carefully clean the area to make sure there’s no filling material or debris left in the tooth cavity. In some cases, they might need to enlarge your cavity a bit more before placing a new filling. This is done to ensure the new filling will fit perfectly and seal the cavity to protect the tooth from further decay.
SMART Protocol for Removing Amalgam Fillings
As we mentioned, amalgam fillings contain mercury, which is why their removal is a bit specific. Dentists use the SMART protocol – Safe Mercury Amalgam Removal Technique. During drilling, mercury is released in the form of vapor, so the removal technique had to be adjusted for safety reasons. Mercury vapor is toxic, so the goal is to avoid mercury poisoning.
All staff have to wear protective gear during amalgam filling removal, and the patient needs to be connected to an oxygen source via a cannula so they don’t inhale the vapor. A dental dam is placed to protect from amalgam chunks as the filling is broken down into pieces for easier removal. Your dentist also has to place a saliva ejector, and they need to use a lot of cold water to keep the temperature down during drilling.
Another thing to be aware of is the drilling technique itself. Amalgam is broken down into large chunks rather than small pieces because drilling the mercury filling releases the vapor, and we want to keep that down to a minimum. Large chunks are also easy for your dentist to remove.
What Can You Expect After Filling Removal?
After the dental filling is removed, our Dr. Bjelac always carefully examines the cavity to determine the next course of action. In most cases, patients need a new filling – most opt for composite fillings nowadays. If the damage to the tooth is quite severe, there are other restorative techniques to be considered, such as dental implants.
Book a Filling Removal With a Trusted Charlotte, NC, Dentist
If you haven’t checked your fillings for a while, you would benefit from visiting our Aspire Dental Wellness clinic in SouthPark. Our Dr. Bjelac and her team are always happy to help with all your dental health needs. Whether it’s a dental filling removal or a routine cleaning, Dr. Bjelac gives 100% to every patient.
Trust her expertise and experience – reserve a consultation to check the condition of your fillings, and she will tell you whether you’re a good candidate for filling removal. Contact us today and reserve your first appointment at Aspire Dental Wellness with a reputable Charlotte dentist in SouthPark.
