Elaine,

If you live in the US, you can apply for a grant to help cover the costs of the amalgam removal. Jigsaw Health Foundation is a nonprofit dedicated to helping people get their amalgams removed, and they accept applications for people who need help covering the costs.

I wouldn't have been able to get mine removed if it weren't for them. THey found a dentist who takes the proper precautions, and after a free initial consultation, agreed to do my removals pro bono, due to Jigsaw. So my insurance company paid a good chunk of it, because people often have to get fillings replaced and they cover part of that in general. But then you are left with the costs of the composites, which are more money, and then any other costs from the special removal procedure. After insurance, they donated the rest of the work as the Jigsaw grant.

$20,000 does seem outrageous to me, so if at all possible, I would try to find another dentist. But if that's not what you choose, or it isn't an option, look into whether or not your insurance would pay for some of it (they cover them for the reasons of them being cracked or old - and they don't ask for a reason from the dentist. they just won't cover them if you say you're getting them removed because of mercury). And look into Jigsaw too - they are super helpful. If they can't find a dentist to donate services, for a small amount of applicants, they will pay for part of the work.

Good luck getting this all worked out.

~Tia