Mercury Safe and Mercury Free Dentistry
Wondering what’s really inside your old silver fillings? You’re not alone. Many patients come to French Smiles with questions about mercury, and they want a dental team that takes those concerns seriously. Our approach to mercury-safe and mercury-free dentistry gives you a clear path forward: careful removal of existing amalgam fillings and natural-looking, metal-free restorations that protect both your health and your smile. Whatever brings you in, you can count on honest answers, gentle care, and a plan built around your goals.
What Is Mercury-Safe and Mercury-Free Dentistry?
Traditional silver fillings, known as amalgam, are made of roughly 50 percent mercury combined with silver, tin, and copper. While amalgam has been used for generations, many people prefer to keep metal and mercury out of their mouths altogether. In 2020, the FDA also recommended that certain higher-risk groups, including pregnant women, nursing mothers, and young children, avoid new amalgam fillings when appropriate.
Mercury-safe and mercury-free dentistry addresses both sides of the issue:
- Mercury-free means we never place new amalgam fillings. We restore teeth with tooth-colored composite resin and durable ceramic instead.
- Mercury-safe means that when an old amalgam filling needs to come out, we follow extra precautions to limit exposure to mercury vapor and particles for you and our team.
What to Expect During Treatment
Before Your Visit
Your care starts with a thorough exam. Using digital X-rays and an intraoral camera, Dr. French shows you exactly what your fillings look like up close. Not every amalgam filling needs to be replaced right away, so we’ll talk through which ones are worn, cracked, or leaking and which can wait.
During Removal
We take a careful, step-by-step approach that may include:
- Protective coverings for your skin, eyes, and clothing
- Isolation of the tooth to keep particles out of your mouth
- Cool water spray to reduce heat and vapor
- Removing the filling in larger sections rather than grinding it away
- High-volume suction to capture debris as we work
After Treatment
Once the old filling is gone, we place a tooth-colored composite in the same visit. For larger areas of damage, our CEREC technology lets us design and place a ceramic crown in a single appointment. Some patients notice mild sensitivity for a few days, which typically fades on its own.
Advantages of Mercury-Safe and Mercury-Free Dentistry
- Peace of mind. You know exactly what materials are in your mouth.
- A natural look. Composite and ceramic blend in with your enamel, so no one sees dark spots when you laugh.
- More healthy tooth preserved. Composite bonds directly to the tooth, which often means less drilling.
- Added strength. Bonded restorations help support the remaining tooth structure.
- Fewer future cracks. Metal fillings can expand and contract with hot and cold foods over time, which may stress the surrounding tooth.
Feature | Benefit | What It Means for You |
Protective isolation | Limits contact with amalgam particles | A cleaner, more careful removal |
High-volume suction | Captures vapor and debris | Reduced exposure during treatment |
Tooth-colored composite | Matches your natural enamel | A seamless, confident smile |
CEREC same-day ceramic | Metal-free crown in one visit | Fewer trips to the dentist |
Digital X-rays | Less radiation than film | Precise, safer planning |
Comfort, Technology, and Experienced Care
We know dental visits can feel stressful, especially when you’re replacing several fillings. Our team takes time to explain each step, checks in with you often, and makes sure you’re fully numb before we begin. Ultrasonic instruments, digital imaging, and same-day CEREC restorations help keep your appointments efficient and comfortable.
Dr. Robert French, DDS, leads our approach to mercury-safe and mercury-free dentistry with gentle, thorough skill and a down-to-earth personality that puts patients at ease. He grew up as a patient in this very office and now cares for our community as a partner in the practice. French Smiles has proudly served Snellville since 1986 and is affiliated with the American Dental Association, the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, and the Georgia Dental Association.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I replace all of my silver fillings at once?
Not necessarily. We prioritize fillings that are damaged or failing and can spread the rest over several visits based on your comfort and budget.
Is amalgam removal painful?
Most patients feel little to no discomfort. We numb the area completely and work at a pace that keeps you relaxed.
Does insurance cover mercury-free fillings?
Coverage varies by plan. We happily file insurance on your behalf and accept Visa, Mastercard, Discover, American Express, and CareCredit.
Take the First Step Toward a Healthier, Metal-Free Smile
You deserve to feel confident about every part of your dental care, including what goes into your teeth. If you’re ready to explore mercury-safe and mercury-free dentistry in Snellville, GA, our team is here to guide you with patience and expertise. We also welcome patients from Grayson, Loganville, Monroe, and Lawrenceville.
Call French Smiles or request your appointment online today. Have questions about your benefits? Reach out, and we’ll gladly verify your insurance before your visit.
