Dentists in Singapore used to fill teeth with mercury fillings. Unfortunately, this means that millennials, Gen-X and senior Singaporeans can still have mercury fillings.
You will notice it. Unlike modern fillings, it has a dark, grey and silvery colour that degrades over time.
What Are The Benefits Of Mercury-Free Restoration?
✓ Aesthetics
✓ Health
✓ Restoration
Mercury-based amalgam fillings are also known to wear away, break or darken over time.
Besides mercury exposure, amalgam can also make your teeth and smile look quite unsightly, which makes mercury-free restoration all the more imperative to preserve the health and pristine look of your teeth.
Do I Have A Mercury Filling?
Look for grey-silvery fillings.
They are not as white as teeth and not as black as tooth decay.
What Are The Health Hazards Of Mercury?
The dangers of mercury poisoning are often heard of through the consumption of fish, although we are subject to harmless traces of mercury in the air around us, vegetables that are grown in untreated soil, and even drinking water.
Singapore and the Minamata Convention on Mercury
Singapore has ratified the Minamata Convention on Mercury, a global treaty to reduce the use of mercury in order to reduce the environmental damage.
One of the Minamata Convention’s provisions is phasing down the use of mercury amalgams.
At Gentle Smile Dental Studio, sustainability is important to us. We always recommend the use of ceramic or composite materials instead.
Concerned?
If you are concerned about your health, you can opt for mercury-free dental restoration.
Upon consultation with our dentist, we will provide our advice as to whether you should undergo mercury replacement dental work.
What Happens During Mercury-Free Restoration?
Consult
The dentist will first examine the amalgam filling or crown to assess how deeply it is affixed and the best course of action to safely remove it.
Restore
On the day of the restoration, the dentist will use modern technology and the SMART method to take out the amalgam filling or crown without the risk of exposing you to further mercury emissions.
Safety
Gentle Smile Dental Studio uses the SMART technique.
This minimises contact with mercury residue.
Safe Mercury Amalgam Removal Technique (SMART)
Dr. Kelvin Chua is SMART certified since 2016. We take these extra precautions based on SMART’s protocol,
- Air filtration to ensure no inhalation of mercury vapour
- Dental dams to ensure that mercury fillings do not get swallowed or inhaled
- Saliva extractor to reduce mercury exposure
The International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology (IAOMT) first established the SMART protocol in 2016 and recently updated it in 2019.
Timelines and Costs For Dental Mercury Replacement
Mercury replacement dentistry takes one sitting and costs between $200-$500
The restoration process usually takes just one sitting, but also depends on the depth, age, and size of your amalgam filling or crown.
If you need a crown made, a digital model of your teeth will be created which will act as a blueprint for the dental team to construct a customised ceramic crown for your teeth, which can take a few weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Gentle Smile Dental Studio can help. We follow protocols from The International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology to do it safely.
Utilizing rubber dams, high-speed suction, and filters to minimize mercury vapor inhalation during the procedure.
Composite resins or ceramic fillings, which are safer and aesthetically pleasing.
Replacing simple mercury fillings can be done in one sitting with more time needed for complex cases and replacement of crowns.
Most patients will see their bill within the $200-$500 range.
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+65 9321 3232
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