If you have old silver fillings, you may have wondered whether the mercury in them is a concern and whether removing them is worth considering. Dental amalgam has been used for more than 150 years, but growing awareness of mercury exposure and the availability of more natural-looking alternatives have made amalgam removal an increasingly popular topic in dental offices across the country. Fortunately, today’s dentistry offers safe, effective options for replacing older restorations with tooth-colored materials that blend seamlessly with your smile.
At Lifetime Smiles Bellevue, our highly skilled and passionate team is here to guide you through that decision with honesty and care. Dr. Michael Beke, DMD, has served the Bellevue community for over a decade with a commitment to evidence-based, patient-centered dentistry, and our restorative dentistry services are built around your long-term oral health and comfort. Whether you are concerned about mercury exposure, want a more aesthetic result, or simply want to update aging dental work, we are ready to help.
Amalgam removal is the process of safely extracting silver-mercury fillings and replacing them with modern, tooth-colored alternatives. Silver amalgam fillings were the standard for decades because of their durability and low cost, but they contain approximately 50% mercury by weight. While dental amalgam has long been considered stable once placed, many patients today prefer to avoid mercury-containing restorations for various health and cosmetic reasons.
The procedure requires careful technique to minimize exposure to mercury vapor during drilling. At Lifetime Smiles Bellevue, we follow protocols designed to protect both you and our team throughout the removal process, ensuring your safety at every step.
Not every patient with silver fillings needs to have them removed right away, and we will always give you an honest assessment before recommending any procedure. That said, amalgam removal may be a good fit for you in the following cases:
It is important to have a thorough dental exam before pursuing removal so that your treatment plan is based on your actual clinical needs. We always put your oral health first in that conversation.
The most common replacement for amalgam fillings is composite resin, a durable, tooth-colored material that bonds directly to your natural tooth structure. Composite resin matches the shade of your surrounding teeth, making it virtually invisible once placed. It also requires less removal of healthy tooth structure compared to traditional amalgam restorations. Our composite bonding services use the same high-quality materials and techniques to give you a restoration that looks and feels completely natural.
For larger cavities or back teeth that bear heavy chewing forces, a porcelain inlay, onlay, or dental crown may be recommended as a more durable alternative. These options are custom-fabricated to fit your tooth precisely and match the natural color of your smile. Dr. Beke will review your specific situation and help you determine which restorative option is right for you.
The process begins with a comprehensive exam and X-rays to assess the condition of your existing fillings and the surrounding tooth structure. From there, Dr. Beke will walk you through your options and create a treatment plan tailored to your goals and timeline.
On the day of your appointment, the area is numbed thoroughly so you remain comfortable throughout. If dental anxiety is a concern for you, our sedation dentistry options may help make your experience even more comfortable. The old amalgam is carefully sectioned and removed in larger pieces to reduce vapor exposure, and your new restoration is placed in the same visit when possible.
Dr. Michael Beke brings a distinctive clinical background to every procedure. His experience as a dentist with the 82nd Airborne Division, where he managed complex dental trauma under demanding conditions, translates directly into the precision and calm he brings to restorative work here in Bellevue. Combined with his Fellowship with the Academy of General Dentistry, patients can feel confident they are receiving care grounded in current research and refined clinical skill.
Our team takes the time to listen, explain, and never rush you toward a decision. We focus on quality over quantity and on building lasting relationships with every patient we serve. Whether this is your first visit or you have been part of our practice family for years, you will always feel like a priority.
If you have older silver fillings and would like to explore your options, Lifetime Smiles Bellevue is here to help you make an informed, confident decision. Our restorative team combines careful technique, honest guidance, and a genuine commitment to your comfort, making us a trusted choice for amalgam removal in Bellevue, WA. Dr. Michael Beke, DMD, and our team look forward to being your long-term dental home.
To get started, reach out to our team to request a consultation. We will be happy to review your current restorations, answer your questions, and help you take the next step toward a healthier, mercury-free smile.
Lifetime Smiles offers dental services including general dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, family dentistry, sedation dentistry and emergency dentistry. Contact our office in Bellevue, WA to schedule your appointment today!
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