Amalgam Removal in Plymouth
We can safely and easily remove black fillings and replace them with durable, natural-looking white fillings at Mannamead Cosmetic Dental Centre in Plymouth. Whether you are worried about toxicity or simply want flawless, metal-free teeth,
Amalgam (black, silver, or metal) fillings contain up to 50% mercury.
Our Principal Dentist, Dr Lenore Bronkhorst, is an internationally trained Cosmetic Dentist who has just celebrated 40 years in dentistry.
From our state-of-the-art clinic near Mutley Plain, we serve patients from across Ocean City, including Plympton, Plymstock, Stoke Village and Derriford, and are conveniently located for those travelling from Saltash, Torpoint and Ivybridge.
Upgrade to natural white fillings and protect your health
Minimise your daily exposure to Mercury.
Aesthetically pleasing metal-free alternatives.
If you are worried about old silver fillings and want a safer, more natural‑looking alternative, our Safe Amalgam Removal programme is designed to help you change them with confidence.
We follow a highly controlled protocol to remove existing amalgam (mercury‑containing) fillings while strictly minimising your exposure to mercury vapour and particles. We then rebuild your teeth with strong, tooth‑coloured composite or ceramic restorations.
During treatment, we isolate your teeth with a rubber dam, deliver clean air or oxygen through a nosepiece, and use high‑volume suction and dedicated vapour extraction systems to capture mercury as it is released. You will also wear protective coverings and eyewear, and we work in a well‑ventilated surgery with specialist air filtration for added reassurance. Where appropriate, we can recommend pre‑ and post‑treatment supplements to support your body’s natural detox processes.
Located on Lockyer Road, just off Mutley Plain with nearby free parking, we make it easy to fit appointments around work and family life. If you are ready to replace dark metal fillings with safer, metal‑free alternatives, contact our friendly team today to book your safe amalgam removal consultation in Plymouth.
Safe Amalgam Removal cost Plymouth
The full price of amalgam removal depends on the size of the old metal filling and the type of restoration needed to replace it.
For example, replacing a small silver filling with a tooth-coloured composite starts from £114, while larger restorations using a CEREC porcelain inlay or crown start from £760.
Amalgam Removal at Mannamead Cosmetic Dental Centre starts from £50 per quadrant. (Your mouth is divided into 4 “quadrants”).
Transform your smile
Contact us today to book a no-obligation consultation.
New Patient Consultation
All new patients will be asked to book a 1-hour comprehensive examination appointment for £150.
This exam will include your dental and gum health, structural integrity, bite function, cosmetic aspects, and any necessary X-rays.
After we have carefully listened to what you want and, under the dentist’s professional guidance, we will create a customised treatment plan for you and discuss the available treatments and estimated costs.
A £60 deposit is required at the time of booking, with the remaining £90 due on the day of your appointment.
Please note that this fee is fully refundable if you notify us of your cancellation at least 72 hours in advance. Your deposit will not be refunded for cancellations made with shorter notice or failed appointments.
Our strict SMART Mercury removal protocols
Some of the protocols we employ are:
Safe Amalgam Removal FAQ
What is safe amalgam removal, and why should I replace my metal fillings?
Amalgam (silver) fillings contain a mixture of metals, including elemental mercury. While historically common, many patients now choose to have them removed due to concerns about mercury vapour and for cosmetic reasons, as metal fillings can darken and make teeth look grey over time.
Safe amalgam removal is a highly controlled clinical procedure performed at our Plymouth clinic to extract old fillings while strictly minimising the risk of inhaling or swallowing mercury particles, and replacing them with modern, tooth-coloured alternatives.
Will removing my old amalgam fillings weaken my natural teeth?
Metal fillings expand and contract with temperature changes, which can create microfractures and weaken the surrounding tooth structure.
By safely removing the amalgam and replacing it with modern composite resin or a custom ceramic restoration, we actually bond the material directly to the tooth. This restores the tooth’s structural integrity, seals it against future decay, and prevents further cracking.
Is it safe to have amalgam fillings removed?
Your health and safety are our absolute priorities. When removing mercury amalgam, we employ strict safety protocols at our Mutley Plain clinic.
This includes isolating the tooth with a non-latex rubber dam so you do not swallow any debris, using a specialised high-volume suction system to safely capture amalgam particles and mercury vapour, and using copious amounts of water to keep the filling cool while Dr Bronkhorst carefully sections it into large chunks rather than grinding it down.
What will you use to replace my old silver fillings?
Once the dark amalgam is safely removed, we will restore your tooth using highly aesthetic, biocompatible materials. For smaller cavities, we use advanced composite bonding resin, expertly colour-matched to your natural enamel.
If the old metal filling was very large and the remaining tooth structure is weak, we will use our cutting-edge in-house CEREC technology to precision-mill a highly durable, metal-free porcelain crown or inlay for you in a single visit.
Is removing amalgam fillings painful?
For most people, removing amalgam fillings is not painful because the tooth is numbed with local anaesthetic, just like when you have a standard filling.
You may feel vibration or pressure, but you shouldn’t feel any sharp pain. Mild soreness in the tooth or nearby gum is possible once the anaesthetic wears off and is usually managed with over‑the‑counter pain relief.
Can I have all my metal fillings removed and replaced in a single visit?
If you have only one or two small silver fillings, we can easily and safely remove them and replace them with white fillings in a single appointment at our Plymouth clinic.
However, if you have multiple large amalgam fillings across different quadrants of your mouth, Dr Bronkhorst will typically recommend carefully staging the removals over a few short appointments.
This ensures your jaw does not become tired and allows us to maintain the highest safety standards during every extraction.
What should I expect after amalgam removal?
After amalgam removal, it’s common to have a slightly tender tooth or gum, especially if the old filling was large or close to the gum line. Most people manage any discomfort with simple painkillers and can return to normal activities the same day.
Your new composite or ceramic restoration may feel a little different when you bite together, but we can adjust the shape if anything feels “high” or uncomfortable.
Do I need a referral from my NHS dentist to see you?
No referral is required to upgrade your old metal fillings. We warmly welcome private patients from across the South West peninsula seeking a safer, more aesthetic smile.
Simply contact our reception team to book your comprehensive initial examination.
What our patients say about us
How to find our Dental Clinic in Plymouth
Address: 7 Lockyer Road, Plymouth, PL3 4RL
From Manadon roundabout: Take Mannamead Rd (B3250) to Mutley. Go around The Hyde Park Inn onto Wilderness Rd and then Lockyer Road.
From Drake Circus in the city centre: Go up North Hill (B3250) and across Mutley Plain into Wilderness Rd and then Lockyer Road.
From Laira Bridge: Continue onto Embankment Rd. At Cattedown roundabout, take the 4th exit onto Tothill Rd/B3238. Then continue straight onto Mutley Plain/B3250, into Wilderness Rd, and then onto Lockyer Road.
If using public transport, there are several bus stops across Mutley Plain, serving routes into and out of Plymouth city centre.
There is on-street parking available outside our premises Mon–Fri except between 3–4pm when it’s permit-only.
We’re roughly 100 metres from Mutley Plain, which has Mutley Barracks and Napier Terrace car parks, both offering 2 hours of free parking.