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Amalgam filling removal in Valencia is a dental procedure that replaces old amalgam restorations — which contain mercury — with state-of-the-art composite or ceramic. This simultaneously improves aesthetics and eliminates exposure to a material with potential health implications.
Millions of people have amalgam fillings placed decades ago that darken their teeth from the inside and generate growing concern over their mercury content. Many patients have wanted to change them for years but are unsure if the procedure is safe, if the result will look natural, or if the new filling will be as durable. This page answers all those questions.
Dr. Lucía Asensio Romero (Registration No. 46002287) and the Asensio Dental Clinic team apply a strict safety protocol for every amalgam removal, based on holistic dentistry guidelines and international standards for patient and clinical team protection. If you want to know all the available aesthetic options, visit our cosmetic dentistry in Valencia page.
Why remove amalgam fillings?
Dental amalgam fillings are composed of approximately 50% mercury, combined with other metals such as silver, tin, and copper. Although amalgam has been used in dentistry for over 150 years and its safety has been a subject of ongoing scientific debate, there are both aesthetic and health reasons that justify its replacement for patients who request it.
From an aesthetic point of view, amalgams progressively darken teeth from the inside over time, creating a grayish shadow that shows through the enamel, making the tooth look darker even after teeth whitening. This intrinsic discoloration cannot be corrected with any external treatment: the only solution is to replace the amalgam with a material that does not generate this effect.
From a health perspective, the European Union has progressively restricted the use of dental amalgam and plans a complete ban in the coming years due to its environmental and health implications. An increasing number of patients present sensitivities or allergies to metals that may be related to their amalgam restorations. At Asensio Dental Clinic, we work with premium biocompatible materials that do not generate any type of allergic response or rejection by the body.
| Reason for amalgam removal | Detail |
|---|---|
| Aesthetics | Intrinsic tooth darkening that whitening cannot correct |
| Health | Mercury content and potential metal sensitivities |
| Regulation | Progressive EU restriction with a planned ban |
| Biocompatibility | Current composites and ceramics do not trigger allergic responses |
| Durability | Old amalgams may present micro-fractures and leakage |
Safety protocol for amalgam filling removal
Removing an amalgam is not a routine procedure that can be performed without specific precautions. During the drilling of the amalgam, mercury vapors and particles are released which, without proper protection measures, can be inhaled by both the patient and the clinical team. At Asensio Dental Clinic, we apply a comprehensive safety protocol for every amalgam removal to minimize this exposure.
The protocol includes the placement of a **rubber dam** to completely isolate the tooth and prevent amalgam fragments from entering the oral cavity, high-efficiency aspiration with a specific ejector to capture vapors and particles at the source, quadrant drilling to minimize total exposure time, and Vitamin C supplementation before and after the procedure to favor the hepatic elimination of heavy metals. The clinical team works with high-filtration masks throughout the entire process.
Once the amalgam is removed, the tooth is restored with state-of-the-art composite or ceramic, depending on the size of the cavity and the aesthetic and functional requirements of the case. Today’s high-end composites accurately mimic the color and translucency of natural enamel, making the restoration completely invisible to the naked eye.
| Safety Measure | Objective |
|---|---|
| Rubber dam | Complete tooth isolation — prevents ingestion of fragments |
| High-efficiency aspiration | Captures vapors and particles at the source |
| Quadrant drilling | Minimizes total exposure time |
| Vitamin C supplementation | Supports hepatic elimination of heavy metals |
| High-filtration mask | Protection for the clinical team during the procedure |
What are amalgam fillings replaced with?
Removed amalgams are replaced with biocompatible, metal-free materials that offer aesthetic and functional results far superior to the original amalgam. The choice of replacement material depends on the cavity size, the tooth’s location, and the aesthetic demands of each case.
For small or medium-sized cavities in both front and back teeth, high-end micro-particle composite is the preferred option: it is applied directly in the clinic in a single session, fits the cavity precisely, and its color matches the natural tooth. For very large cavities or teeth that have already undergone a root canal, ceramic — such as porcelain or zirconium inlays manufactured in a lab — offers greater strength and long-term durability. In some cases, structural destruction is so extensive that the most suitable solution is a porcelain crown to cover and protect the entire tooth.
Price of amalgam filling removal in Valencia
The price of amalgam filling removal depends on the number of teeth to be treated, the size of each cavity, and the chosen replacement material. At Asensio Dental Clinic, we prepare a personalized, no-obligation quote after the first free visit, where we assess the condition of each amalgam and propose the most suitable replacement plan. Check our cosmetic dentistry pricing page for more information on rates and interest-free financing options.
Frequently Asked Questions about amalgam removal
Is it dangerous to remove amalgam fillings?
With the proper safety protocol, removing amalgams is a safe procedure. The real risk exists when they are removed without necessary protection measures, as drilling releases mercury vapors. At Asensio Dental Clinic, we apply the full protocol described on this page for every removal, guaranteeing the safety of both the patient and the clinical team.
How many amalgams can be removed in a single session?
For safety reasons, we recommend removing no more than one quadrant per session, with a minimum interval of two weeks between sessions to allow the natural elimination of heavy metals before the next exposure. For patients with many amalgams, the replacement plan is distributed over several sessions planned from the first visit.
Does composite last as long as amalgam?
State-of-the-art composites have a durability comparable to amalgam in small and medium-sized cavities, with the advantage of preserving more healthy tooth structure by requiring less invasive preparations. For very extensive cavities, ceramic inlays or crowns offer greater longevity. The durability of any restoration also depends on the patient’s oral hygiene and regular check-ups.
Is the aesthetic result immediate?
Yes. Composite restorations are performed in the same session in which the amalgam is removed, and the patient leaves the clinic with their teeth restored that same day. The aesthetic improvement is visible immediately: the teeth regain their natural color as the grayish shadow produced by the amalgam from the inside is eliminated.
Do I need to do anything special before the removal?
Dr. Lucía Asensio Romero may recommend a Vitamin C or antioxidant supplementation schedule in the days leading up to the procedure to optimize the body’s response. During the first free visit, you will receive all the specific instructions for your case before starting the replacement plan.