Safe Mercury Amalgam Removal in Oklahoma City
Dr. Laura Ousley has had extensive training in removing mercury fillings since 1993. She maintains a holistic and biological practice in NW Oklahoma City with an emphasis on mercury removal and dental sleep medicine. Dr. Ousley was trained in mercury removal by Dr. Hal Huggins in Colorado Springs, CO in 1995 — before the SMART technique was initiated in 2016 by the IAOMT. She is a graduate of the University of Oklahoma Dental School and a Diplomate of the American Association of Dental Sleep Medicine.
Why Do I Need My Silver Fillings Removed?
Silver fillings are called amalgams and consist of a combination of copper, silver, tin, and zinc powders mixed with an equal amount of liquid mercury — making the resultant filling approximately 50% mercury. The need for removing silver fillings grows stronger as research shows that the number of silver fillings is directly linked to mercury levels in the body. Studies have shown that mercury levels in blood and urine decrease after amalgam removal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Can't My General Dentist Remove Them?
All dentists are trained to perform the removal of a filling, but not all dentists believe that mercury is harmful to the body. Dr. Ousley's extensive training allows her to talk to the patient about the necessity of removing the filling completely and what material it is replaced with. For a biological dentist, it is much more convenient to work with natural and aesthetic materials such as tooth-colored composite resin. The importance of non-toxic and biocompatible materials is paramount.
What Material Replaces the Filling?
Depending on the size of the amalgam filling, we replace it with a tooth-colored composite resin filling or a solid ceramic crown. Amalgam fillings are 50% mercury and have properties that cause them to expand and contract within a tooth, creating hairline fractures that can lead to natural tooth structure breaking off. If a tooth has 50% or more amalgam fillings, a crown is suggested for health and longevity. Less than 50% can often be replaced with a composite filling.
Why Do Dentists Still Use Mercury Fillings?
Amalgam fillings have long been the material of choice for fillings until the durability of composites was proven. Some insurance companies will only pay for amalgam fillings, leaving a cost difference for patients who want composite. Many dentists do not believe that amalgam fillings are harmful — Dr. Ousley does, and her practice reflects that belief.
What Are the Benefits of Removal?
Avoiding daily exposure and contact with mercury is the primary benefit. Mercury vapors are released when we chew or eat hard foods. Removal provides peace of mind that your mouth is free of toxic elements. Replacing silver fillings with natural-looking composite achieves a much better aesthetic result. Any systemic symptoms a patient has been experiencing may reduce or disappear.
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How Is Mercury Removed Safely?
Dr. Ousley follows both the SMART protocol and the Hal Huggins protocol — two of the most rigorous safe removal approaches available. Dr. Ousley was trained by Dr. Hal Huggins himself in 1995, predating the formal SMART technique by over 20 years. Every removal includes:
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Oxygen administered to minimize breathing mercury vapor around your face
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High-speed suction to capture amalgam as it is sectioned and removed
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Continuous cold water spray to keep temperature low and minimize vapors
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Minimum drilling — the amalgam is sectioned into chunks rather than ground down
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4x magnifier loops to reveal hairline cracks and details invisible to the naked eye
How Much Does It Cost?
A thorough exam includes X-rays, intraoral pictures, and dental and medical history to determine the number, size, and location of your metal fillings. A simple removal can start at approximately $250 per tooth. Dr. Ousley's office will file your dental insurance to help with the cost.