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Amalgam removal Portishead

What is amalgam removal and why do people choose it?

Dental fillings have long been used to restore teeth affected by decay, with amalgam fillings being one of the most common materials historically. However, in recent years, some patients have chosen to have their amalgam fillings removed. If you are considering amalgam removal, it’s important to understand what the process involves and why some people opt for this treatment.

What are amalgam fillings?

Amalgam fillings, often referred to as “silver fillings,” have been used in dentistry for over a century. They are made from a combination of metals, including mercury, silver, tin, and copper. Their durability and affordability have made them a widely used choice for dental restorations.

Why do people choose to remove amalgam fillings?

There are several reasons why patients seek the removal of their amalgam fillings:

  1. Personal preference – Some individuals prefer tooth-colored composite or ceramic fillings, which blend more naturally with their teeth.
  2. Aesthetic concerns – Over time, amalgam fillings can darken and become more noticeable, leading some to seek a more discreet alternative.
  3. Replacement of old or worn fillings – Like any dental material, amalgam fillings can degrade over time. Patients may opt for removal when a filling needs repair or replacement.
  4. Desire for mercury-free dentistry – Some patients choose to transition to mercury-free dental materials as part of their personal health choices.

How is amalgam removal performed safely?

Because amalgam fillings contain mercury, some patients choose safer removal to minimise exposure to mercury vapor during the process. Our dental practice can follow a strict protocol designed to ensure patient and practitioner safety if requested. This includes:

  • Active charcoal given immediately prior to amalgam removal.
  • Oxygen delivered via a nasal mask.
  • Damp gauze applied to the eyes to avoid mucosal absorption.
  • Latex free rubber dam is used to provide a physical barrier.
  • Specialist suction used around the tooth being treated.
  • The filling sectioned out in chunks.
  • Provision of general guidelines on nutritional support.

What to consider before amalgam removal

Before deciding to remove amalgam fillings, it’s important to consult with a qualified dentist to discuss your specific needs. We assess each patient’s dental health and provide guidance on the best approach for safe and effective removal.

If you’re curious about amalgam removal and want to learn more about the process, feel free to contact us. We’re happy to answer your questions and help you explore your options.

Read our CQC report here

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🚗 If you’re visiting Evolve Dentistry today, please allow extra travel time

There are major traffic issues in the area this morning, and journeys to Portishead are taking longer than usual.

If you have an appointment with us today, please leave plenty of time to get to the practice safely. If you’re running late, just give our reception team a call and we’ll do our best to help.

Stay safe, and we look forward to seeing you soon.
50km… and counting! 🚲💪

Our Clinical Director, Dr Carol Somerville Roberts, has just completed her longest training ride yet — an incredible 50 kilometres — as she prepares for a life-changing charity cycle from the base of Kilimanjaro to the Ngorongoro Crater in February 2026.

Carol is taking on this huge challenge to raise funds for Bridge2Aid, a charity providing vital emergency dental care and training in Tanzania. The money raised will help run an outreach and training programme where eight Dental Therapists will be trained and around 2,000 people will receive essential dental treatment.

For someone who hasn’t been on a bike in years, months of training in all weathers is no small feat — and we couldn’t be more proud of her determination.

If you’d like to support Carol and help make a genuine difference to communities with little or no access to dental care, you can donate here:

👉 https://www.justgiving.com/page/carol-somerville-roberts-1

Every donation, big or small, will have an immense impact.
Thank you for cheering her on! 💜
You were expecting a big before-and-after reveal, weren’t you? 😁
Here’s the truth: the best way to save money at the dentist is simple — floss! 🦷
A few seconds a day can help prevent costly treatments later.

#EvolveDentistry #DentalCareMadeSimple #FlossForTheWin #Portishead
Thinking about improving your smile but not sure where to start? 😁

In this video, our dentist Richard Ford talks about SmileFast — a modern, minimally invasive way to transform your smile quickly and beautifully. ✨

SmileFast combines the latest digital technology with composite bonding to deliver natural-looking results in as little as one appointment. It’s perfect for patients who want a confident smile without more complex treatment. 💚

Watch to find out how SmileFast could help you love your smile again.

#EvolveDentistry #Portishead #SmileFast #CosmeticDentistry #ConfidentSmile #SmileTransformation
Claire used to feel really self-conscious about her stained teeth and often hid her smile. After having veneers at Evolve Dentistry, she now smiles confidently — and can’t stop! 💚

Her story is a wonderful reminder of how transforming your smile can transform how you feel, too.

Watch Claire share her journey 👇
#EvolveDentistry #Portishead #Veneers #SmileTransformation #ConfidentSmile #CosmeticDentistry#ConfidenceBoost #beyourbestself #Northsomerset #multiawardwinning #patientsatisfaction #patientsfirst #newpatients #healthysmiles #acceptingnewpatients #nailsea #clevedon #portisheadmarina
Meet Kayse, one of our brilliant dental nurses here at Evolve Dentistry! 💚

Kayse is an important part of our team, helping to make sure every patient feels comfortable, cared for, and supported during their visit. 🦷✨

We’re so proud of the friendly, compassionate team we have here at Evolve — they’re the heart of everything we do.

#EvolveDentistry #Portishead #DentalNurse #BestTeam #PatientCare #BehindTheScenes
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