SILVER (AMALGAM) FILLING ASSESSMENT
Have old silver fillings?
Start with a professional assessment
If you have older silver fillings and have been thinking about having them replaced, the first step is understanding your individual situation.
Not Sure What to Do About Your
Existing Silver Fillings?
You're not alone. Many of our patients have questions such as:
How do I know what condition my old silver fillings are in?
Could there be changes to the filling or surrounding tooth?
What should I know if I'm considering replacing my silver fillings?
How are amalgam fillings removed using additional protective measures?
Can a dentist assess my silver fillings and explain my options?
Thinking about your silver fillings doesn't mean you need to make a decision today.
Start with an individual assessment to understand their condition and discuss your options.
CONSIDERING REPLACING YOUR SILVER FILLINGS?
Our approach to safe amalgam removal.
Dental amalgam, commonly known as a silver filling, contains a combination of metals, including mercury.
If you are considering having your silver fillings removed or replaced, we recommend starting with an individual assessment. This allows our dental team to evaluate your existing fillings, the surrounding tooth structure and your overall oral health, while also understanding your concerns and preferences.
At Casuarina Dental, we take a considered approach to amalgam removal. When you choose to proceed with replacement, additional protective measures are used to help manage exposure to particles, aerosols and vapour during the removal process.
Your dentist will explain the process, discuss your individual treatment plan and answer your questions before treatment begins.
Our Assessment Process
A clear, step-by-step approach to understanding your silver fillings and your options.
We Listen
We understand your concerns, your dental history and what prompted you to seek an assessment.
We Assess
We examine your silver fillings, surrounding teeth and oral health X-rays may be recommended.
We Explain
We explain what we find in clear, simple terms and answer your questions.
We Discuss Options
We discuss the options available the process, benefits, considerations and costs.
You Decide
you receive the information you need to make an informed decision about your dental care.
WHY HAVE YOUR SILVER FILLINGS ASSESSED?
Understand your silver fillings and explore your options
Silver fillings, also known as dental amalgam fillings, have been widely used in dentistry for many years. If you have existing silver fillings and are considering having them replaced, an assessment is the first step towards understanding their current condition and discussing your individual options.
You've had silver/amalgam fillings for many years
You'd like to understand their current condition
You've noticed a change in a filling or the surrounding tooth
You're considering replacing your existing silver fillings
You've been researching safe amalgam removal and would like professional guidance
You'd like to discuss your individual options with a dentist
An assessment gives you the opportunity to ask questions, understand your existing silver fillings and discuss your options with your dentist before deciding how you would like to proceed.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Clear answers about your silver fillings
What are silver fillings?
Silver fillings are commonly known as dental amalgam fillings. Dental amalgam is a restorative material historically used to repair teeth affected by decay and contains a combination of metals, including mercury. If you have older silver fillings and would like to understand more about them, our dental team can assess your existing restorations and discuss your questions with you.
How do I know what condition my silver fillings are in?
The best way to understand their current condition is through an individual dental assessment. Your dentist can examine your existing fillings, surrounding tooth structure and oral health, and may recommend diagnostic imaging where clinically appropriate.
Can I ask to have my silver/amalgam fillings replaced?
If you are interested in having your existing silver fillings replaced, you can discuss this with your dentist during your assessment. Your dentist can evaluate your restorations and surrounding teeth, discuss your preferences and explain the treatment considerations relevant to your individual situation. Together, you can discuss an appropriate treatment plan.
What is safe amalgam removal?
Amalgam removal involves working with an existing restoration containing a combination of metals, including mercury. Additional protective measures can be used during the procedure to manage exposure to particles, aerosols and vapour generated during removal. Your dentist can explain the specific measures used at Casuarina Dental before your treatment begins.
What is the IAOMT SMART protocol?
SMART stands for Safe Mercury Amalgam Removal Technique. It is a set of recommendations developed by the International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology relating to protective measures during dental amalgam removal. Your dentist can explain how these principles relate to the approach used for your individual treatment.
Will my silver fillings be removed during my assessment?
Your first appointment is focused on understanding your individual situation. We will assess your existing restorations, discuss your concerns and preferences and explain the options available to you. If you decide to proceed with replacement, the appropriate treatment can then be planned with you.
What can my silver fillings be replaced with?
The restorative material suitable for a particular tooth depends on several factors. After assessing your teeth and existing restorations, your dentist can explain the restorative options that may be suitable for your individual circumstances.
What can my silver fillings be replaced with?
For these appointments, we prefer to speak with you first so our team can make sure you are booked with the appropriate clinician and appointment type. Call Casuarina Dental directly on (02) 6678 2220 and our team will discuss your enquiry and help arrange the appropriate appointment.
Have more questions?
Our friendly team is here to help.
THINKING ABOUT REPLACING YOUR SILVER FILLINGS?
Start with and assessment
You do not need to work everything out before contacting us. Our dental team can answer your questions and help you understand your options.
ARRANGE AN ASSESSMENT
Have questions about your silver fillings?
Meet the Team Looking After Your Smile
Our experienced dentists and clinical team are committed to providing comfortable, personalised care from your very first visit.
Dr Maria Florou, BDS
Founder | Dentist
Dr Maria Florou is the founder and Principal Dentist of Casuarina Dental. She is passionate about integrative dentistry and helping patients achieve long-term oral and overall health through personalised, patient-focused care.
Learn More About Dr Maria
Dr Maria Florou completed her Bachelor of Dental Science in 2000 and is the founder of Casuarina Dental. Born in Greece and raised in Brazil, she chose to pursue a career in dentistry to help people achieve their health and well-being goals.
Although she initially did not start as a holistic dentist, her early experiences in traditional dentistry motivated her to seek better ways to treat patients by focusing on the individual as a whole. Dr Florou continuously searches for the latest advancements, the least invasive procedures, and the most natural resources available. She is passionate about integrated dentistry from a holistic perspective.
Dr Maria encourages all the dentists at Casuarina Dental to adopt integrated dentistry through a holistic approach to patient care. This includes considering not only oral health but also overall health. The team stays informed about the latest advancements in traditional dentistry alongside evidence-based natural health and dental practices.
Dr Maria is also the host of the YouTube podcast @mind_your_mouth, where she shares insightful oral health information, debunks common myths, and provides practical tips to help patients improve their dental well-being.
Dr Vanessa Ribas
Principal Dentist, BDS
Dr Vanessa Ribas Ferreira Schneider has over 18 years of experience and is passionate about providing gentle, personalised dental care. She enjoys all aspects of dentistry and is dedicated to helping patients achieve healthy, confident smiles.
Learn More About Dr Vanessa
Dr Vanessa Ribas Ferreira Schneider was born in Brazil, where she owned and operated her own dental practice for many years before relocating to the Gold Coast with her family.
Since moving to Australia, she has worked in private practice and has also served as a supervisor and tutor at Griffith University Dental School, helping to educate and mentor future dentists.
Passionate about dentistry, Dr Vanessa has spent the past 18 years caring for her patients with dedication and compassion. She enjoys all aspects of dentistry, with particular interests in root canal therapy and paediatric dentistry.
Areas of Interest
- General Dentistry
- Root Canal Therapy
- Paediatric Dentistry
Dr Natalia Trisna
Dentist, BDS, IAO
Dr Natalia Trisna graduated with honours from the University of Sydney and is passionate about providing holistic, personalised dental care. She offers a wide range of orthodontic and general dental treatments to help patients achieve healthy, confident smiles.
Learn More About Dr Natalia
Dr Natalia Trisna graduated with honours from the University of Sydney. During her studies, she received numerous academic awards, including the prestigious Colgate Prize for her research in paediatric dentistry, and was invited to present her findings at international conferences.
She is a Fellow of the International Association of Orthodontics (IAO) and approaches orthodontic treatment with a holistic mindset. She offers a variety of orthodontic solutions, including removable and fixed appliance therapy, Invisalign®, and traditional braces.
Dr Natalia also provides BOTOX® treatments to assist with jaw problems, nighttime grinding, migraines, and tension headaches. She is highly trained in root canal therapy, as well as crown and bridge work, and composite restorations.
Outside the clinic, Dr Natalia is a busy mother of twin girls and is actively involved in the Northern Shores community.
Areas of Interest
- Orthodontics
- Root Canal Treatment
- Crowns and Bridges
- General Dentistry
Mrs Deirdre O'Kane
Dental Hygienist
Deirdre O'Kane (Dee) is an experienced Dental Hygienist and Therapist who is passionate about preventive dentistry, the oral microbiome, and helping patients achieve lifelong oral and overall health through personalised, evidence-based care.
Learn More About Dee
Deirdre O'Kane (Dee) graduated from the University of Leeds in 2006 and has almost two decades of clinical experience. Throughout her career, she has built lasting relationships with patients through her gentle, thorough, and patient-centred approach to dental care.
Dee has a particular interest in preventive dentistry, the oral microbiome, periodontal disease, and the important connection between oral health, systemic health, and longevity. She enjoys educating patients on how a healthy mouth supports overall wellbeing and long-term health.
She also has a special interest in children's growth and development, helping families establish healthy oral habits and strong foundations from an early age. By combining evidence-based dentistry with a holistic approach, Dee tailors every treatment plan to meet each patient's individual needs and goals.
Outside the practice, Dee is a proud mum of two and a passionate athlete who enjoys maintaining an active lifestyle. Her commitment to health, wellness, and balance is reflected in the care she provides to every patient.
Areas of Interest
- Preventive Dentistry
- Oral Microbiome Health
- Periodontal (Gum) Therapy
- Children's Growth & Development
- Holistic Dental Care
Harpreet
Associate Dentist, BDS
Dr. Harpreet is a dedicated dentist committed to providing high-quality, patient-focused dental care in a comfortable and welcoming environment. She believes in helping patients achieve healthy, confident smiles through compassionate, personalised treatment.
Learn More About Dr. Harpreet
Dr. Harpreet is passionate about creating a positive dental experience for patients of all ages. She takes the time to listen to each patient's concerns, explain treatment options clearly, and deliver care tailored to their individual needs.
With a gentle and caring approach, Dr. Harpreet is committed to helping patients maintain excellent oral health while building lasting relationships based on trust, comfort, and confidence.
CONTACT AND VISIT CASUARINA DENTAL
Friendly local care, with your
overall wellbeing in mind
Casuarina Dental is located in a peaceful, easy-to-reach area and welcomes individuals and families with a warm smile, quality care, and a strong focus on prevention.
Casuarina Dental has a dedicated team of caring professionals with one shared goal: to support your health and confidence through every smile.
Trading Hours
Monday – Friday: 8:30am – 5:00pm
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed
Casuarina Dental is a dedicated team of caring professionals with one shared goal… To support your health and confidence through every smile.
Trading Hours
Monday – Friday: 8:30am – 5:00pm
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed
Copyright © 2026 Casuarina Dental. All rights reserved.