Millions of Americans have silver amalgam fillings in their mouths, and more are asking whether it is time to have them removed. Whether the motivation is concern about mercury content, a filling that is aging or cracking, or a preference for a cleaner and more natural-looking smile, understanding what the removal process involves and what it costs helps you make an informed decision before walking into a dental office.
At Ocean Breeze Prosthodontics in Boynton Beach, Dr. Nicholas Goetz and our team provide metal-free composite filling replacements for patients who are ready to move away from amalgam restorations. Dr. Goetz completed his specialty prosthodontic residency at the University of Florida and his Maxillofacial Prosthodontics Fellowship at UCLA — a level of restorative training that means every filling replacement is evaluated in the context of your full dental picture, not just the individual tooth.
Why Patients Are Choosing Mercury Filling Removal
Dental amalgam fillings have been used for well over a century because of their durability and low cost. However, those fillings contain approximately 50 percent mercury by weight, and awareness of the health implications has grown considerably — driven by a series of significant regulatory and policy shifts in recent years.
Even for patients outside the high-risk categories, the desire to move away from metal restorations is a valid and increasingly common reason to seek removal. Composite resin fillings bond directly to the tooth structure, require less removal of healthy tooth material, and blend naturally with the surrounding enamel.
Who Is at Higher Risk from Dental Amalgam?
The FDA identifies specific populations for whom the risks of dental amalgam warrant extra caution. If you fall into any of the following groups, discussing amalgam removal with your provider is especially worthwhile.
How Much Does Mercury Filling Removal Cost in 2026?
What Affects the Price
The cost of mercury filling removal varies depending on several factors specific to your mouth and the condition of each tooth. Before any treatment begins, a thorough exam including x-rays and an intraoral evaluation assesses the number, size, location, and current condition of your amalgam fillings.
For a straightforward removal where the underlying tooth structure is in good shape, replacing an amalgam filling with a composite restoration typically ranges from $250 to $800 per tooth in 2026. If the filling is large or if decay has developed around it, more extensive restoration may be needed — such as an inlay or onlay, or a dental crown — which can bring the total per tooth to $1,500 or more. Patients with multiple amalgam fillings often find it practical to phase treatment by quadrant to manage both time and cost effectively.
A Note on Insurance
Most dental PPO plans cover a portion of filling replacements, though coverage for elective removal of intact amalgam specifically can vary by plan. We recommend reviewing your plan details before your appointment. While we are not in-network with insurance companies, we file claims on your behalf and assist you in securing any reimbursement your PPO plan allows. Available payment and financing options are detailed on our financial information page.
What to Expect During the Procedure
The removal process follows three clear stages, each designed to minimize exposure and maximize the quality of the replacement restoration.
Making the Right Choice for Your Smile
Not every amalgam filling needs immediate removal. If a filling is intact and there is no decay or structural concern, the decision to remove it is a personal one worth discussing during a consultation. What matters most is that when you are ready to make a change, the work is done with precision and care by a provider who understands the full restorative picture.
Dr. Nicholas Goetz is among a select group of approximately 150 maxillofacial prosthodontists in the United States, with advanced training in complex oral rehabilitation from the University of Florida and UCLA. When you come to our Boynton Beach office, you are not simply getting a filling replaced — you are receiving a comprehensive evaluation from a provider who can anticipate what your tooth will need now and over the long term.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mercury Filling Removal
Is mercury filling removal safe?
Mercury filling removal, when performed properly, is considered safe for the vast majority of patients. The key is minimizing mercury vapor exposure during the removal process. At Ocean Breeze Prosthodontics, the tooth is isolated and the filling is sectioned before removal to reduce the release of vapor. The FDA’s guidance recommends that certain high-risk groups discuss the timing and method of removal carefully with their provider before proceeding.
Do I need to remove my amalgam fillings?
Not necessarily. If a silver filling is intact, shows no cracking, and has no decay forming beneath it, there may be no immediate clinical reason to remove it. The decision to remove structurally sound amalgam is largely a personal one based on health preferences and cosmetic goals. During a consultation, Dr. Goetz will assess each filling and give you an honest evaluation of which ones represent a clinical priority and which ones may be appropriate to monitor.
How long does mercury filling removal take?
A single filling replacement typically takes one appointment of 30 to 60 minutes depending on the size and location of the tooth. Patients with multiple amalgam fillings often schedule treatment by quadrant — one section of the mouth per visit — to keep each appointment manageable in length. The full scope of treatment is outlined during your initial consultation so you can plan accordingly.
What replaces the mercury filling after removal?
The most common replacement is a tooth-colored composite resin filling, which bonds directly to the tooth structure and blends with surrounding enamel. For larger cavities where a filling alone would not provide adequate support, an inlay, onlay, or dental crown may be recommended instead. The appropriate restoration depends on how much healthy tooth structure remains after the amalgam is removed.
Will my insurance cover mercury filling removal?
Coverage varies by plan. Most dental PPO plans cover filling replacements when there is a clinical reason — decay, a cracked filling, or structural compromise. Removal of an intact amalgam filling for health or cosmetic preference may be classified differently by your insurer. Our team reviews your benefits before treatment and files claims on your behalf to maximize any available reimbursement.
If you are ready to learn more about replacing your mercury fillings with a safer, more natural-looking option, we invite you to schedule a consultation with our Boynton Beach team. Dr. Goetz and the Ocean Breeze Prosthodontics team are here to help you feel confident in every decision you make about your oral health.
