A holistic approach to dentistry
At Laura B. Ousley, we are dedicated to helping you with your overall wellness and that includes your oral health. We work with each patient by helping them remove toxins from the mouth (mercury fillings) so your health can be at its best performance.
Q: Why do I need my silver fillings removed?
​
Silver fillings are called amalgams and consist of a combination of copper, silver, tin and zinc powders mixed with an equal amount of liquid mercury, making the resultant filling containing about 50% mercury. The need for removing silver fillings in our mouth grows stronger as we read that the number of silver fillings is directly linked to mercury levels in our body. Research studies have also shown that mercury levels in our blood and urine decrease after a mercury filling removal.
​
Q: What material is replaced after the filling is removed?
​
Depending on the size of the amalgam filling, we choose to replace a silver filling with a tooth-colored composite resin filling or a solid ceramic crown. Amalgam fillings are 50% mercury and have the properties to expand and contract within a tooth creating hairline fractures within the tooth. These fractures can lead to natural tooth structure breaking off at inopportune times. If a tooth has 50% or more amalgam fillings, then a crown is suggested for the health and longevity of the tooth. Less than 50% amalgam filling can be replaced with a composite filling.
Composite fillings are made of quartz resin and a light sensitive agent to harden them.​
​
Q: Why can’t my general dentist take out my fillings?
​
All dentists are trained to perform the removal of a filling but not all dentists believe that mercury is harmful to the body. Dr. Ousley’s extensive training allows her to talk to the patient about the necessity of removing the filling completely and what material it is replaced with. It is an easy conversation about the highest health for the patient. For a biological dentist it is much more convenient to work with more natural and aesthetic materials, such as tooth-colored composite resin. She prefers to work with non-toxic and more biocompatible materials.
​
Q: Why do dentists still use mercury fillings?
​
Amalgam fillings have long been the material of choice for fillings until the durability of composites was proven. Some insurance companies will only pay for the amalgam filling leaving a difference in pay for the patient who wants composite. Many dentists do not believe that amalgam fillings are harmful to the patient.
​
Q: How much does it cost to remove Mercury fillings?
​
A thorough exam includes x-rays, intra-oral pictures, and dental and medical history. This is to determine the number of silver fillings you need to have removed, the size of your mercury filling or fillings, and the location of your metal fillings. A simple removal can start at approximately $250 per tooth. Dr. Ousley’s office will file
your dental insurance company to help with the cost.
​
Q: What are the benefits of Mercury Filling Removal?
​
Avoiding the exposure and contact with mercury on a daily basis. Overtime, mercury vapors are released when we chew gum or eat hard foods such as grains. Having a “peace of mind” that their mouths are free of toxic elements. Replacing silver fillings with a natural looking composite filling is a much better aesthetic benefit. Any symptoms a patient may have experienced could see them disappear or reduce.