Dental Fillings : What is the SMART Amalgam Removal Technique?

SMART Amalgam Removal Williamsville, NY

Biologic dentists have adopted the SMART Amalgam Removal technique, which is used for people who have metal dental fillings. There was a time in dentistry where dental fillings were only made of metal materials that contained mercury, which is the world’s second most potent neurotoxin second only to plutonium in its toxicity.

SMART Amalgam Removal of failing, mercury-based fillings is quite important for people who have dental fillings containing mercury also known as amalgam. It is important to choose a SMART certified dentist who is accredited by the IAOMT to be certain that you are being protected against exposure to mercury when your  silver amalgam filling is removed and replaced. Doctor McCarthy is accredited by the IAOMT to properly perform this procedure to minimize your exposure during your dental procedure.

In this article, we discuss the SMART Amalgam Removal technique. If you have dental fillings that contain mercury, you may find this information to be useful.

Dental fillings: what to know about the SMART Amalgam Removal technique

Read on to find out more about this dental technique that is helping patients minimize their exposure to mercury.

What is SMART Amalgam Removal?

This technique is being performed by biologic and holistic dental offices who follow research that heavy metals such as mercury should not be placed inside the human body. It is a specialized technique requiring special barriers and vacuum sources to minimize the patient’s exposure to the toxic fumes of mercury vapor. In doing this, the patient’s exposure will be minimized along with the exposure to the dentist and the team assisting in the procedure.

What is involved in the procedure?

The SMART Amalgam Removal procedure will involve a lot of safety protocols to ensure that the exposure to mercury vapor will be minimized.

Prior to removing any fillings, it is encouraged that the patient have their body prepared as best they can to prepare to clear the toxins. It is important that the liver, kidneys and lymphatic system are able to process this as safely as possible. A proper treatment plan will be formulated and radiographs will also be taken to make sure there are no specks of mercury under existing fillings and crowns. Mercury fillings also known as amalgams should be taken out in proper sequence as well.

Before beginning the process of amalgam removal, the patient will be asked to rinse with an activated charcoal in effort to neutralize the tissue in case of exposure. Supplemental oxygen will then be placed along with proper barrier protection on the patient including protective drapes, a non latex dental dam, external vacuuming, suctioning and special mercury filtration units in the rooms.  The dental team will also wear protective clothing and mercury filtering masks to minimize their exposure as well.

While the amalgam filling is removed in large pieces to minimize vaporization, the dentists will use suction and a lot of cool water to dilute the mercury fumes. Three different suctions are used to collect saliva and amalgam bits, while also filtering the room to ensure that the mercury fumes don’t stay around. Our office is equipped with Surgically Clean Air, DentairVac as well as EL Foust HEPA filtration to lessen exposure.

The patient will wear an oxygen mask during the SMART Amalgam Removal to ensure that the body is regulating the fumes that go in and out. The oxygen mask will also minimize any mercury fumes and amalgam particles from entering the body. The non latex dental dam which is properly sealed will reduce the amount of particles that can get on the tissues of the mouth and also stop pieces from going down the throat. Barriers will be placed to protect the clothing of the patient as well. After all of the filling is removed, a dental radiograph may be taken to make sure there are no specks left behind.

The importance of SMART Amalgam Removal

Removing failing dental fillings that are made of amalgam is important because they contain almost 50% mercury, and mercury is known to be linked to many systemic health problems. This procedure minimizes the exposure to mercury while failing amalgam fillings are removed.  Without utilizing the SMART Amalgam Removal of these dental fillings, amalgam will be directly in contact with the mucosal membranes in the body. 

Contact us today

Are you considering SMART Amalgam Removal for your existing failing silver fillings? We can help you! Our team of dentists understands the importance of having these failing dental fillings removed in a more protective way from your mouth. If you have questions or are ready to schedule your removal, please give us a call today!

Request an appointment here: https://doctormccarthy.com or call Shannon H. McCarthy DDS at (716) 689-8882 for an appointment in our Williamsville office.