Safe Mercury Removal
The mercury in silver fillings, also known as dental amalgams, is constantly released into the body as an invisible vapor. The substance can be retained in the brain, kidneys, lungs, liver, and gastrointestinal tract, which could cause health issues. Additionally, when your cosmetic dentist removes your silver fillings, tiny mercury particulates may be released, which could harm patients, dentists, and dental office personnel. The recognized International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology, or IAOMT, has developed the SMART Technique as a proper way to remove dental amalgams. The method involves various steps and measures to protect patients, dentists, and dental staff.
At Denthetics, LLC, Dr. Mata-Stein remains current on the latest dental field developments. She implicates a holistic approach to dentistry, employing methods that enable us to treat not only our patient’s oral health but also their physical health.
What Is the SMART Technique?
SMART stands for Safe Mercury Amalgam Removal. The dental technique requires dentists to use various safety measures when removing patients’ dental amalgams. The Academy has developed Different standards to protect patients and dentists.
Concerning the safety of patients, the SMART Technique includes the following:
- Using substances such as charcoal or chlorella as an absorbent
- Covering the patient with an impermeable full-body barrier
- Placing a head/face/neck barrier on the patient
- Delivering air or oxygen through a nasal mask
- Using a non-latex, nitrile dental dam
- Activating a saliva ejector
- Using an at-source oral aerosol vacuum
- Spraying abundant amounts of water
- Using a high-speed evacuation device and
- Removing large chunks of the dental amalgam
The safety measures to protect dentists and dental staff include wearing protective gowns and covers, non-latex nitrile gloves, and face shields/head coverings. Also, the team must use a sealed mask and appropriate personal protection equipment.
How Does a Dentist Receive a SMART Certification?
To be SMART certified, Dr. Felicia Mata-Stein trained and completed an IAOMT course covering dental amalgam removal and the measures required to protect against mercury exposure. The dentist must complete the program annually to stay current on the technique. Additionally, the dentist must be a member of the IAOMT.