Key Takeaways
- Mercury-free (composite) fillings match your tooth color and contain zero mercury or metal
- Amalgam (silver) fillings contain approximately 50% mercury by weight — the WHO flags mercury as a top environmental health concern
- Composite fillings bond directly to tooth structure, requiring less drilling than amalgam
- All Smiles Miami Gardens is a mercury-free practice — we use composite resin for all new fillings
- We also offer safe amalgam removal for patients wanting to replace old silver fillings
Table of Contents
At All Smiles Miami Gardens, we made a decision years ago: no more silver amalgam fillings. Every filling we place is tooth-colored composite resin — free of mercury, free of metals, and designed to blend seamlessly with your natural smile. For patients looking for a mercury-free dentist in Miami Gardens, our practice on NW 27th Avenue is the holistic choice for the community.
What Are Mercury-Free Fillings?
Mercury-free fillings — also called composite fillings, tooth-colored fillings, or white fillings — are made from a blend of glass particles and biocompatible resin. Unlike traditional silver amalgam, they contain no mercury, tin, copper, or zinc.
Composite resin is shaped to perfectly match the contours of your tooth and cured (hardened) with a special LED light in minutes. The result: a filling that looks like it was never there.
Dental amalgam is approximately 50% mercury by weight. The World Health Organization (WHO) lists mercury as one of the top 10 chemicals of major public health concern. The FDA updated its guidelines in 2020, recommending against amalgam use in children under 6, pregnant women, and patients with kidney issues. (FDA, 2020)
Composite vs. Amalgam — Side-by-Side Comparison
Silver Amalgam (Old Standard)
- Contains ~50% mercury by weight
- Expands and contracts with temperature changes → cracks teeth over time
- Requires more tooth removal to place
- Visible in smile — dark metallic color
- Galvanic corrosion can occur near other metals
- Durability: 10–15 years average
- Lower material cost
Composite Resin (Mercury-Free)
- Zero mercury, zero metals
- Bonds chemically to tooth — no temperature expansion
- Minimal tooth removal needed
- Matches your exact tooth color — invisible
- BPA-free options available
- Durability: 7–12 years (improving with new materials)
- Slightly higher material cost
| Category | Amalgam | Composite |
|---|---|---|
| Mercury content | ~50% by weight | Zero |
| Appearance | Dark silver/gray | Tooth-colored |
| Tooth preservation | Requires more removal | Conservative |
| Bonding | Mechanical (wedged) | Chemical (bonded) |
| Thermal expansion | Yes — can crack teeth | Minimal |
| Average lifespan | 10–15 years | 7–12 years |
| Insurance coverage | Usually covered | Often covered for front teeth; posterior may vary |
Ready for a Mercury-Free Smile?
Schedule your composite filling appointment at All Smiles Miami Gardens — holistic care, zero metals.
Why We Chose to Be a Mercury-Free Practice
The decision to go mercury-free wasn’t just about aesthetics. It was about honoring the biological dentistry philosophy our practice was built on: treat the whole body, not just the tooth.
Holistic dentistry recognizes the connection between oral health and systemic health. Placing biocompatible materials — ones the body doesn’t react to — is a core commitment of our practice. Mercury has no safe level of biological exposure. We simply choose not to use it.
We also switched to mercury-free protocols for environmental reasons. Dental offices are a significant source of mercury entering wastewater systems. As a practice that cares about our Miami Gardens community and the health of Biscayne Bay and Florida’s waterways, we saw no reason to contribute to that problem.
Beyond mercury, we use BPA-free composite options when available, latex-free gloves, and fluoride-free protocols for patients who prefer them. Our goal is to offer the most biocompatible, body-safe dental care available in Miami Gardens.
Safe Amalgam Removal in Miami Gardens
If you have old silver fillings and want them replaced, we offer safe amalgam removal using protective protocols designed to minimize exposure during the removal process.
Improperly removing amalgam fillings can temporarily expose you to higher mercury vapor than leaving them in place. Always choose a dentist trained in protective removal techniques — we follow safety steps to protect you, our team, and the environment.
Our safe amalgam removal protocol includes:
Rubber Dam Isolation
A rubber dam prevents any amalgam particles from being swallowed during removal.
Chunking Technique
We cut amalgam into large chunks rather than grinding, which dramatically reduces mercury vapor released.
High-Volume Evacuation
A specialized suction device captures mercury vapor and particles before they enter the breathing zone.
Air Filtration
We use air purifiers during the procedure to capture any airborne mercury.
Composite Replacement
Once amalgam is fully removed, we place a BPA-free composite filling matched to your tooth color.
What to Expect: Getting a Composite Filling
The process for a composite filling at All Smiles Miami Gardens takes 30–60 minutes per tooth depending on the size of the cavity. Here’s what to expect:
| Step | What Happens | Time |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Anesthesia | Local anesthetic applied to numb the area | 5 min |
| 2. Decay removal | Decayed tooth material removed conservatively | 10–15 min |
| 3. Etching & bonding | Tooth surface prepared for composite adhesion | 3–5 min |
| 4. Composite placement | Resin applied in layers and shaped to tooth | 10–20 min |
| 5. Curing | LED light hardens each layer | 2–3 min |
| 6. Bite check | Filling adjusted until bite feels natural | 5 min |
Most patients are numb for 2–4 hours after the procedure. You can eat as soon as the numbness wears off. No waiting period required unlike some dental work.
South Florida Holistic & Biological Dental Network
We work alongside South Florida dental practices that share our commitment to biocompatible care:
- Beach Smile Family Dentistry — Holistic Dentistry & Family Care, North Miami, FL
- All Dental Group — Comprehensive Dentistry, South Florida
- Luxe Dental — Cosmetic & General Dentistry, South Florida
Dr. Bernkrant — All Smiles Miami Gardens
All Smiles Miami Gardens is a holistic and biological dental practice serving the Miami Gardens community. Our mercury-free, BPA-aware approach puts patient health and biocompatibility at the center of every treatment decision. We accept most dental insurance and offer same-week appointments.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are mercury-free fillings covered by insurance?
Most dental insurance plans cover composite (tooth-colored) fillings for front teeth at the same rate as amalgam. For back teeth (molars), some plans only cover the amalgam cost — you pay the difference for composite. Call us at (305) 705-2748 and we’ll verify your benefits before your visit.
How long do composite fillings last?
Modern composite fillings last 7–12 years on average, with some lasting 15+ years with proper care. They may wear slightly faster than amalgam on heavy chewing surfaces, but advances in composite materials have significantly improved durability over the past decade.
Is it safe to remove old amalgam fillings?
When done with proper safety protocols — rubber dam, chunking technique, high-volume evacuation, and air filtration — safe amalgam removal minimizes mercury exposure. We follow these protocols at All Smiles Miami Gardens. Simply grinding out old amalgam without protection is not recommended.
What’s the difference between composite and porcelain fillings?
Composite resin fillings are placed directly in the mouth in a single visit. Porcelain (ceramic) inlays/onlays are lab-fabricated and require two visits — they’re used for larger restorations. Both are metal-free and tooth-colored. We’ll recommend the best option based on the size and location of your cavity.
Does All Smiles Miami Gardens offer BPA-free composites?
Yes. We offer BPA-free composite options for patients who request them. The BPA concern relates to bisphenol-A, a chemical found in some (but not all) composite resins. Ask us about our BPA-free material options when you schedule.
Can I replace all my silver fillings at once?
Technically yes, but we typically recommend replacing them in stages — 2 or 3 fillings per visit — rather than all at once. This minimizes total mercury exposure during removal and limits time under anesthesia. We’ll create a staged removal plan that fits your schedule and budget.
Choose Mercury-Free Dentistry in Miami Gardens
All Smiles is accepting new patients. Ask about safe amalgam removal and our BPA-free composite options.