The European Parliament has announced a ban on the manufacturing and exportation of dental amalgam from the European Union, effective 1 January 2025.
Dental amalgam has been the cornerstone of dentistry for decades, having been widely used for dental fillings composed of mercury, silver, tin, and copper. You may recognise if you have an amalgam filling as it has a metal finish, compared to the modern-day composite resin, ceramic, or porcelain fillings.
Silver dental amalgam is a dental material that was invented by the English chemist Joseph Bell in the early 19th century. Bell’s creation, also known as “Bell’s putty,” was quickly adopted in Britain and France, and has been in use ever since.
Despite its widespread use, dental amalgam has been the subject of controversy for many years due to concerns about its high levels of mercury. This concern has led to increased attention on the safety and ethicality of using silver amalgam as a dental material.
While dental amalgam is still commonly used, many dentists and researchers are actively exploring alternative materials that may be safer and more ethical for use in dentistry.
At Integrated Dentalcare, we take pride in being a leading dental practice that is committed to providing high-quality dental care to our clients. For over three decades, we have been dedicated to offering dental care that not only addresses oral health but also considers the broader impact on the overall health of our patients.
In 1990, we made a conscious decision to go Amalgam-free as an initiative to prioritise the health and well-being of our clients.
The unique needs of our clients are at the forefront of our practice, particularly those with sensitivities to metals. We take pride in serving hundreds of clients who appreciate our metal-free options. Many of these individuals have sensitivities to metals, making our Amalgam-free environment a welcoming choice for their dental care. Moreover, numerous clients have proactively sought our expertise to safely remove old amalgam fillings. Our skilled team follows strict protocols to ensure a safe removal process, minimizing any potential exposure to mercury during the procedure.
Hear first-hand from one of our valued clients, Rich E., and his experience with dental amalgam removals with Dr Neeraj Puri at Integrated Dentalcare in Edinburgh:
“With concerns that mercury/amalgam fillings were causing some health issues, I was delighted to come across Integrated Dentalcare. The staff were friendly and welcoming, and Neeraj sat me down for a relaxed, informal chat to go over having my fillings removed - you can tell this is somewhere that genuinely cares about their patients. I felt I was in very safe hands from the outset, and relaxed and confident during the procedure. With the use of the latest in technology, the patient can see what is going on. They removed all the fillings and meticulously restored my teeth. I am happy to say my gums and mouth now feel fantastic, and have received many compliments on my now white teeth. The hygienist has also been great, and patiently educates you on taking preventative care on your own. I would highly recommend this practice - 5/5” - Rich E.
We are pleased that Rich was able to restore the health and longevity of his teeth by trusting our experience dentists for his amalgam-filling removal.
If you would like to find out more information or want to enquire about amalgam removals, please contact our lovely team today by calling 0131 225 9093 or emailing us at reception@integrateddentalcare.com.
We work with you to get the most out of the first thing you see in the mirror: your smile.