Safe Mercury Amalgam Removal (SMART) Procedures: What To Expect

Removing mercury amalgam fillings can be a daunting process, especially if you’re unfamiliar with dental procedures. At Vitality Dental, we follow the SMART (Safe Mercury Amalgam Removal Technique) protocol to ensure your safety and minimize exposure to mercury vapors and particles.

What is a mercury amalgam?

Dental or mercury amalgams, commonly known as a “silver filling,” is a dental filling material that consists of about half mercury and half other metals, including silver.

Why Choose a SMART-Certified Dentist?

Traditional methods of removing amalgam fillings can release mercury vapor and particles, posing health risks to patients and dental professionals. The SMART protocol is designed to mitigate these risks, ensuring a safer and more controlled removal process.

At Vitality Dental, we are committed to providing the safest and most effective dental care. That’s why we follow the SMART protocol for amalgam removal. Our team is trained in these specialized techniques to ensure your health and safety.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to SMART

Preparation

• Charcoal and Chlorella Drink: Before we begin, you’ll drink a mixture of charcoal and chlorella. Charcoal binds to toxins and helps to absorb any mercury that might be released, while chlorella, a green type of algae, is known for its detoxifying properties and can help your body eliminate heavy metals.
• Protective Gear: You’ll be provided with a protective drape to cover your clothing and a nasal mask to breathe clean air throughout the procedure.
• Safety Measures: Our dental team will wear special protective gowns, masks, and gloves to minimize exposure to mercury.

Isolation

To prevent mercury particles from being swallowed or inhaled, we use a dental dam to isolate the tooth being treated. This flexible sheet of rubber/silicone keeps the area dry and contained. Additionally, an oral aerosol vacuum and high-volume suction device is positioned near your mouth to capture any mercury vapor and particles released during the removal process.

The Removal Process

• Sectioning the Filling: Using precise tools, the amalgam filling is sectioned into chunks and removed in the largest possible pieces. This method reduces the amount of mercury vapor released.
• Cooling: We keep the tooth cool with a constant stream of water to prevent the mercury from vaporizing.

Post-Removal Care

• After the amalgam is removed, we ensure that your mouth is thoroughly rinsed to eliminate any remaining mercury particles.
• The dental dam and other protective barriers are carefully disposed of according to safety regulations to prevent environmental contamination.
• Final Rinse: You’ll do a final rinse with the charcoal and chlorella mixture to ensure any remaining mercury in your mouth is absorbed and removed.

If you are considering having your mercury amalgam fillings removed, contact us to learn more about how we can help you with this process safely. For more information on the SMART protocol, you can visit the IAOMT website.

Ready to achieve the smile of your dreams without compromising the health of your teeth? Schedule a consultation with us today and discover how safe removal of mercury amalgams can transform your smile into a masterpiece of natural beauty and function.