Well, mercury has been used in dentistry for over 200 years. Mercury is actually a material that’s still used in America. It has been banned in the European Union as of February of 2025.
27 countries are choosing to stay away from it because they’re linking it to different things that we have better options. We have better materials now. And then if you have a mercury that’s old and has to be replaced, you have other options.
Obviously, as a dentist, I don’t want to deal with the mercury putting it in because I personally don’t want to be exposed to it. When we remove it, we remove it in a way that we feel protected with oxygen for ourselves. Nowadays, people are more cosmetic oriented.
So when you are going to replace a material, an old material that has been there for a while or it’s failing or it’s cracked or it’s leaking. And for example, right now we have zirconia. Zirconia is a material that takes 1,200 pounds of force upon mastication.
An average person chews at 200 pounds per square inch. So you’re having people clenching at 500 pounds. So you have an option of a material that is a lot stronger, you know, and is more cosmetic.
A mercury filling, amalgam filling, or a silver filling must be removed safely. So how do we do that? We use a smart protocol. And the smart protocol entails in using airway.
So we put oxygen on the patient. We completely cover the patient from head to toe. And we put barriers inside the mouth.
So we protect the parotid gland. We protect the lips. We’re going to use a rubber dam.
We’re going to seal that tooth. We’re going to use some clasps. And then we’re going to use a barrier.
We’re going to use suction, air suctions, special vacuums. And then we’re going to use special diamond burrs that are going to cut that mercury into pieces. That’s going to be done very safely with a lot of water.
And then after that, when that is removed, then we start removing the decay. The decay is going to be removed with slow speed hand piece. And we’re going to use colloidal silver, ozone, acid water.
And we are going to use a laser to decontaminate the tooth at different settings, antibacterial, antiviral. Then we’re going to repeat the process. We’re going to use saline, colloidal silver.
And these are all chemicals that are going to be removing and killing different kinds of microorganisms. Some people might have mold in their teeth. Some people might have virus in the teeth.
They might have parasite on the tooth. So different chemicals are going to be using different mechanisms to kill the actual microorganism, bacteria, virus, mold. So after that, we remove all the isolation.
And the patient is going to be actually sedated for that. And the patient is going to have airway all throughout the process. The patient has the option to be sedated via oral sedation or IV sedation.
I love sedation dentistry because it gives the patient the opportunity to be served without being anxious. We offer two kinds of sedations. Oral sedation consists in giving a patient an anxiolytic.
We can do something like a valium the night before, a triaculum the night before. And that’s going to allow the patient to be relaxed and be able to sleep that night. So that way they don’t come without having slept that night because that also is going to affect how they’re going to metabolize anesthesia.
So we want to give them oral sedation also the morning of the treatment. And that way they can come relaxed. They can speak to us.
We can speak to them. But the triaculum causes amnesia. So they will not recall.
But if they need to go to the bathroom or eat, they can communicate so. The other option of sedation that people associate with like say wisdom teeth extraction is the intravenous sedation. And I am a dental anesthesiologist.
Our office is certified to do intravenous sedation. And that consists in either using fentanyl or midazolam or a combination of that. Some people would like to do surgical procedures with that.
But the majority of the procedures in our office, I would say 99.9%, are done with oral sedation because we have found that that’s enough. But if somebody has some kind of trauma that they have not overcome and they’re really, really scared, we also have the opportunity to offer intravenous sedation.
Protect Your Health With Amalgam Removal in Fort Lauderdale
Removing old amalgam (metal) fillings gives you a path to a healthier mouth as well as a healthier body. Dr. Cintron uses proven safety protocols to remove fillings that contain mercury while protecting you from harmful exposure throughout the process. When you choose amalgam removal in Fort Lauderdale, you can:
- Reduce your risk of mercury-related health issues
- Replace old metal fillings with biocompatible materials
- Support your body’s natural detoxification process
- Be free of concerns about sensitivities to metal
- Enjoy a smile free of dark, aging metal fillings
Ready to take the first step? Call us today at 954-519-4058 to schedule your consultation.
Remove Old Mercury Fillings Using the Huggins Protocol
Mercury fillings don’t just sit quietly in your mouth. Over time, they can release vapor into your body, raising your risk of mercury-related health issues. If you’ve noticed sensitivity around an old filling, or if you’re simply concerned about what’s in your mouth and how it potentially affects your body, removal may be the right choice for you.
Dr. Cintron follows the Huggins Protocol to keep you safe throughout the process. Developed by Dr. Hal Huggins, a pioneer in biological dentistry, this approach was designed specifically to protect patients from mercury exposure during removal. It:
- Shields you from harmful toxins during the procedure
- Supports your body’s detoxification before and after your visit
- Addresses bacteria and other harmful materials for a thorough, safe removal
This comprehensive approach means your health stays protected at every stage and not just during the removal itself.
Once your old fillings are out, Dr. Cintron will restore your teeth with biocompatible materials that work with your body, not against it. Tooth-colored composite resin is a strong, natural-looking option that doesn’t contain any mercury or other harmful metals.
The composite material bonds directly to your tooth structure, helping preserve more of your natural tooth in the process. You’ll leave with a smile that looks better and supports your long-term health.
Call our office today at 954-519-4058 to schedule a consultation and learn more about amalgam removal in Fort Lauderdale.
Amalgam fillings contain mercury, which can release vapor into your body over time. This exposure may contribute to a range of health concerns. If you’re looking to avoid potential problems and support your body’s natural detoxification process, amalgam removal is worth discussing with our team.
Yes, amalgam removal is safe when performed by a trained biological dentist following established safety protocols. Dr. Cintron uses the Huggins Protocol to protect you from mercury exposure before, during, and after the procedure. Specialized equipment and techniques are used throughout to keep you safe.
Most patients find amalgam removal comfortable. We thoroughly numb the treatment area before beginning. Sedation options are also available if you feel anxious about the procedure. Our team will help you feel at ease from start to finish during your visit.