6 Supplements to Take Before Amalgam Removal

After years of being in your mouth, amalgam fillings can start to wear down and become loose. This is when you have the option to have them removed by a dentist or take care of them yourself with an at-home removal kit. 

Either way, it's important that you're taking the right supplements before the procedure. Here are six supplements that will help increase your chances of success!

What Is Amalgam?

Amalgam is a silver-colored filling that's composed of about 50 percent mercury, along with other metals like tin and copper. This metal alloy was used in dentistry for many years because it was cheap, durable, and had a color that resembled your natural tooth enamel.

Amalgam filling removal is the act of removing amalgam fillings from teeth. Amalgam is a mixture of mercury, silver, and other metals that has been used in dentistry for decades as an inexpensive alternative to tooth-colored materials like composite resin or porcelain when restoring cavities on the back (posterior) teeth.

Amalgam removal is a necessary process to go through before getting your mercury fillings replaced. While amalgam is durable and can last a long time in the mouth, it does not look very natural compared to tooth-colored alternatives like composite resin or porcelain. If you are thinking about having an alternative type of restoration placed in that spot, you may need to have the amalgam removed first.

What Supplements To Take Before Amalgam Removal?

Here are the six supplements that you should be taking before having your amalgam fillings removed.

Vitamin B12

This vitamin is important for nerve health and keeping anemia at bay, which means you'll have more energy during recovery. Vitamin B12 is often found in animal-based products, so if you are a vegetarian or vegan who does not eat eggs or dairy, it may be best to take a supplement.

Magnesium Glycinate or Malate

These forms of magnesium can be helpful for relieving pain and reducing inflammation, which can help speed up the recovery process. Magnesium is also important for nerve health and keeping your muscles relaxed, so it's an excellent supplement to take before amalgam removal due to its numerous benefits.

Turmeric

This spice has anti-inflammatory properties that will allow you to recover faster after the procedure. Turmeric can also be helpful for keeping your stomach calm during the amalgam removal process. It also has antioxidant properties that can help you stay healthy and prevent any future damage to the teeth.

Fish Oil

These supplements are important because they contain omega fatty acids, which can help with cell membrane health. Your cells need this in order to function properly during recovery! Fish oil supplements can also help you manage pain and inflammation.

Vitamin C

This vitamin can help with wound healing and also boost your immune system during the recovery process. It is also a great antioxidant that can help your mouth stay healthy in the long term, which will prevent future damage to teeth.

Zinc

Zinc can help with wound healing and promote healthy cell growth during the recovery. It is also important for immune health, which will allow you to get back on your feet faster after amalgam removal! Zinc is known as an essential mineral because it's necessary for many functions in the body.

Since these are all dietary supplements and not medications or chemical-based drugs, they can be purchased over the counter in most cases! Be sure to consult a doctor if you have any concerns about taking these or other supplements to make sure they're right for you.

What Should You Do Before And After Amalgam Removal?

There are a few things you can do to prepare for amalgam removal, and after the procedure, it's important not to make any drastic changes. Here are some tips that will help get you ready!

Before Amalgam Removal

1. Consult with your dentist about what kind of restoration they have planned for the area where amalgams were removed. Since amalgams are metal, they cannot be placed in the same area as another restoration. If your dentist plans on placing a permanent filling, you’ll need to let them know that you want to have an alternative place for it, like composite resin or porcelain.
2. Be sure to tell your dentist if you have any allergies or sensitivities before the procedure begins, including any known allergens that are in medications like Xylocaine (lidocaine). They may be able to recommend a different medication for the procedure.
3. Pick up any supplements you need to take before amalgam removal! You may want to consider Vitamin B12, Magnesium Glycinate or Malate, Turmeric, Fish Oil (omega fatty acids), Zinc, and Vitamin C.
4. Talk to your dentist about any supplements you are taking and make sure they're okay with it before consent to remove amalgam restorations. Some medications and supplements can interfere with anesthesia, so be as transparent as possible!

After Amalgam Removal

1. Take your replacement restoration out for at least a day and use an over-the-counter pain reliever if needed. This will give your gums time to heal without being irritated by the new restoration in that spot.
2. If you get an at-home amalgam removal kit, be sure to follow the instructions carefully and keep a close eye on the area where the amalgams were removed. Since these kits can be very strong, it's important to monitor any reactions and call your dentist if they get worse instead of better.
3. Be sure not to brush or floss around an open wound until you have healed completely! This will help ensure that you don't create any more damage to the area.
4. Be sure you brush your teeth at least twice a day, but don't use an interdental cleaner until after it has healed completely! You can also rinse with hydrogen peroxide and warm saltwater as well. This will help flush out bacteria that may be lingering around in the open wound of your mouth.
5. You should be fine to resume all of your usual activities when you have completely healed from amalgam removal! However, it's important that you find a good dental professional if you are having any issues or problems with the restorations they placed in your mouth after taking out an amalgam restoration.

Conclusion

There are many different supplements out there that can help you prepare for and recover from amalgam removal! Some of the most common ones to consider include Vitamin B12, Magnesium Glycinate or Malate, Turmeric, Fish Oil (omega fatty acids), Vitamin C, and Zinc.

After amalgam removal, it's important not to make any drastic changes. You should consult with your dentist about the restoration they plan to place in that area and be transparent about what medications you are taking if they interfere. 

Be sure to take some time off of work for at least a day after removing an amalgam restoration so your gums can heal. It's important not to brush or floss around the area for at least a week after surgery until it has fully healed, and you should be able to resume all of your normal activities afterward. 

Don't try an at-home amalgam removal kit unless instructed by your dentist! Be sure to follow their instructions carefully and if any problems or reactions arise, contact them immediately.