Safe Mercury Amalgam Removal

Total investment depends on number and size of fillings:

Per filling costs:

• SMART protocol fee: $150-$200 per filling (safety measures and specialized equipment)
• Composite replacement: $180-$350 per surface
• Total per filling: $300-$600 depending on size and complexity
• Porcelain inlay/onlay replacement: $900-$1,800 per tooth
• Crown replacement (if needed): $1,400-$2,200 per tooth

Multiple filling packages: Many patients have 8-12 mercury fillings. We can create phased treatment plans to fit your budget:

• Remove 1-2 quadrants per appointment
• Space appointments 2-4 weeks apart
• Flexible payment plans available

Why SMART protocol costs more:

• Specialized equipment (air filtration systems, high-volume suction)
• Single-use protective barriers and supplies
• Extended appointment time (30-60 minutes per filling vs. 15-20 for standard removal)
• Advanced training and certification
• Environmental disposal compliance

Insurance coverage:

• Most insurance covers "amalgam removal and replacement" as a standard procedure
• The SMART protocol safety measures may not be separately covered
• We'll verify your benefits and maximize coverage
• Flexible payment plans and financing available

No. Mercury removal should NOT be performed during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.

Even with SMART protocol, some mercury exposure occurs during removal. Mercury crosses the placenta and is excreted in breast milk, potentially harming the developing baby.

Our recommendation:

• Remove mercury fillings BEFORE pregnancy if possible (ideally 3-6 months before trying to conceive)
• Wait until you've finished breastfeeding if already pregnant
• Leave intact fillings in place during pregnancy (lower risk than removal)

Exception: If a mercury filling breaks or becomes infected during pregnancy, emergency removal may be necessary. In this case, SMART protocol is essential to minimize exposure.

It varies based on filling size and your overall health:

Our typical approach:

• Small fillings: 2-4 fillings (one quadrant to full mouth) per appointment
• Large fillings: 1-2 fillings per appointment
• Conservative approach: We prefer to space removal over multiple appointments to minimize total mercury exposure in single session

Factors we consider:

• Total amalgam mass being removed
• Your overall health and detoxification capacity
• Kidney and liver function
• Age and medical history
• Your preference and tolerance

Some patients request "full mouth removal" in one appointment. While technically possible with SMART protocol, we generally recommend against this due to:

• Higher total mercury exposure
• Greater strain on detoxification systems
• Longer appointment time (patient fatigue)
• More post-procedure sensitivity

Our philosophy: Slower, phased removal is safer and more comfortable for most patients.

Many patients report improvement, but we cannot guarantee specific outcomes.

Commonly reported improvements (anecdotal):

• Increased energy and reduced fatigue
• Improved mental clarity and focus
• Better sleep quality
• Reduced headaches and migraines
• Mood stabilization
• Reduced anxiety
• Improved immune function
• Thyroid function improvement
• Digestive improvement

Important considerations:

• Improvement timeline varies (days to months)
• Some patients notice immediate changes; others see gradual improvement over 3-6 months
• Active detoxification support may enhance results
• Mercury is only one potential contributor to symptoms—other factors may exist
• Scientific studies show association between mercury and health issues, but individual responses vary

What we can promise:

• Safe removal using the strictest protocol available
• Elimination of ongoing mercury exposure from fillings
• Replacement with biocompatible, non-toxic materials
• Support and guidance throughout your healing journey

We're not treating or diagnosing mercury toxicity—we're removing the source of exposure and supporting your body's natural ability to heal.

Yes, mercury fillings are safe for MRI scans. Mercury amalgam is not magnetic and will not be affected by MRI magnetic fields.

However, some patients choose to remove mercury fillings before MRI for other health reasons, not because of MRI incompatibility.

We offer multiple anesthetic options including:

• Traditional lidocaine with epinephrine
• Epinephrine-free options (for patients sensitive to adrenaline)
• Preservative-free anesthetic
• Alternative anesthetics (articaine, mepivacaine)

For patients with severe anesthetic sensitivities, sedation dentistry options are available to ensure comfort during mercury removal.

Wait until ALL mercury fillings are removed before beginning chelation.

Why this matters: Chelation therapy mobilizes mercury from tissues, pulling it into the bloodstream for excretion. If you still have mercury fillings, chelation can:

• Pull mercury FROM your fillings into your body
• Increase your mercury burden rather than reduce it
• Make symptoms worse

Recommended timeline:

1. Remove all mercury fillings using SMART protocol
2. Wait 3-6 months for mercury levels to stabilize
3. Test mercury levels (urine, blood, or hair analysis)
4. Begin chelation under medical supervision if indicated

We can coordinate with your physician or naturopath to ensure safe, effective detoxification sequencing.

No. We are a 100% mercury-free practice.

Since 2015, we have not placed any new mercury amalgam fillings. We only use biocompatible, mercury-free materials:

• BPA-free composite resins
• Porcelain
• Zirconia ceramics

We only interact with mercury when safely removing it using SMART protocol.

All mercury waste is captured and disposed of according to EPA regulations.

Our environmental protection:

• Amalgam separator captures 95%+ of mercury particles before they enter wastewater
• Captured mercury stored in sealed containers
• Disposed through certified hazardous waste services
• Full environmental compliance with state and federal regulations
• No mercury enters water supply or ecosystems from our practice

Mercury is an environmental toxin that bioaccumulates in fish and wildlife. Proper disposal is not just about patient safety—it's about environmental responsibility.

Yes, in most cases.

Same-day replacement process:

1. Mercury filling removed using SMART protocol
2. Tooth cleaned, disinfected (often with ozone therapy)
3. BPA-free composite placed and bonded immediately
4. Shaped, contoured, and polished
5. You leave with completed restoration

Two-appointment replacement (for porcelain/ceramic):

1. First appointment: Mercury removed, tooth prepared, temporary filling placed
2. Porcelain inlay/onlay fabricated in dental lab (1-2 weeks)
3. Second appointment: Permanent porcelain restoration bonded in place

Your choice: Same-day composite or two-visit porcelain depends on filling size, location, and your aesthetic preferences.

Look in your mouth—mercury fillings are dark silver/gray.

Characteristics of mercury amalgam:

• Dark silver, gray, or black color
• Metallic appearance
• Usually placed in back teeth (molars, premolars)
• Often large, filling most of the tooth surface
• Placed more than 10-15 years ago (most common placement era)

Tooth-colored fillings (composite) are:

• White or tooth-colored
• Match natural tooth shade
• Modern alternative to amalgam

Not sure? During your consultation, Dr. Kasperowski will identify all mercury fillings and provide a removal plan.

Yes. Strategic sequencing can optimize safety and minimize mercury redistribution.

Factors in sequencing:

• Electrical currents: Dissimilar metals create galvanic currents (battery effect)—remove fillings creating highest currents first
• Filling size: Larger fillings release more mercury—sometimes removed first, sometimes last (depends on strategy)
• Quadrant approach: Often work quadrant-by-quadrant for systematic coverage
• Symptom correlation: If specific fillings correlate with symptoms, may prioritize those
• Urgency: Cracked, broken, or infected fillings removed first regardless of sequencing

We determine optimal sequence during consultation based on your specific situation.

Some practitioners use electrical testing (galvanic current measurement) to determine exact sequence. We can provide this if requested.