I realize this is a very old post, but I am moved to respond anyway. I have spent a LOT of hours researching all this amalgum removal/replacement stuff, and it is HARD to get answers from dentists! It's like you are insulting their integrity or something when you ask what materials they are using. And often asking about prices is difficult too, as they use the standard, "We couldn't tell you without an exam." BALLPARK people! Sheesh. I think they are not used to people questioning their craft. But it's high time that people getting any kind of medical procedures done ask these kinds of questions. In fact, I don't even like to think of myself as a "patient" of anybody...I'm a guy just trying to get a professional service performed in the cheapest, safest, longest-lasting way possible, and I want to know about it before I commit to hundreds in office visits. Is that REALLY too much to ask?