Amalgam fillings contain up to 50% mercury — a heavy metal that can burden the body even in small amounts. Removing amalgam requires special precautions, as drilling releases mercury vapours and particles. At our practice in Freienstein, we perform amalgam removal following the SMART protocol (Safe Mercury Amalgam Removal Technique).
Our protective protocol includes rubber dam isolation to prevent swallowing of amalgam debris, a high-volume suction system at the working site to capture mercury vapours, oxygen supply via nasal mask to minimise inhalation, and removal of the filling in large chunks rather than grinding to reduce vapour development.
We replace amalgam fillings with biocompatible alternatives — ceramic inlays, hybrid composites or all-ceramic restorations depending on the size and location. All materials we use are metal-free and biocompatible. Many patients report improved overall wellbeing after amalgam removal.
This is an individual decision. We recommend removal for patients with symptoms, autoimmune conditions, pregnancy plans or those seeking metal-free treatment.
This depends on the number of fillings. We typically treat one quadrant per session with 2-4 weeks between appointments for recovery.