Optimize Your Oral Health with Safe Mercury Amalgam Removal Services

Many years ago, amalgam fillings were the only option for repairing tooth decay. Amalgam fillings contain several metals, including mercury—one of the most toxic materials known to man. At the time, amalgam was considered healthy and strong, but that has since changed. Many studies have linked amalgam fillings to several health conditions, including digestive issues, kidney problems, neurological complications, etc.

Besides safety, silver amalgam fillings are not aesthetically pleasing. Their metallic color contrasts sharply against natural teeth, making them highly noticeable whenever you speak or smile. Over time, these fillings can also cause a silver or grayish tint along the gum line, further affecting the appearance of your smile.

Amalgam removal is fairly complex and can't be administered by any dentist. Dr. Lindsey has been trained to follow the SMART protocol developed by the International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology (IAOMT). SMART is a stringent, science-based protocol designed to minimize mercury exposure to patients and the dental team during the removal of amalgam fillings.

The following is a closer look at the removal process of mercury fillings.

• Protective equipment: We'll use a full-body impermeable barrier and a head/face covering. We also give you an external oxygen supply via a nasal mask to avoid inhaling mercury vapors. The dentist also uses a non-latex dental dam to isolate the tooth and prevent ingestion of mercury particles.
• Office air filtration: We use a high-powered suction system to trap airborne mercury particles.
• Keeping the metal filling cool: When a dentist drills an amalgam filling, a significant amount of heat is generated. This heat can produce mercury vapors that may be inhaled by both the patient and the dental team. To address this concern, our office uses a generous water and air supply to keep the filling cool during the drilling process.
• Cutting the amalgam into chunks: We don't remove the amalgam filling in one piece for safety reasons. Instead, we cut the filling into pieces, ensuring less drilling (grinding down) during removal. 
• Charcoal rinse: We rinse your mouth with activated charcoal to help bind and remove residual mercury particles before and after the procedure. The dentist also recommends detoxification support through diet and supplements. 
• Safe disposal: We'll safely dispose of the amalgam fillings to prevent environmental harm. We place the amalgam fillings in a sealed, airtight, labeled container designated for mercury waste.
• Composite filling: Once we remove the amalgam filling, we'll replace it with a composite filling, which is BPA and mercury-free. Composite fillings are also colored like natural teeth for a realistic appearance.

Dentists trained in the SMART protocol undergo specialized education to ensure they follow the highest safety standards. Without proper training, a dentist may inadvertently expose patients, staff, and the environment to harmful mercury vaporization. A SMART-certified dentist understands the risks and effectively uses evidence-based strategies to mitigate exposure.