SMART is a global health initiative to protect dental patients, dental employees and the global environment from the harmful effects of mercury that is generated during the removal of dental amalgam fillings, which contain roughly 50% elemental mercury.
INITIAL CONDITIONS OF MERCURY FILLINGS
20 year old amalgam (silver/mercury) restorations that appear in tact and are not causing pain or discomfort.
STEP ONE
Teeth are isolated w/ a non latex barrier as part of our protocol to reduce or eliminate the exposure to mercury dust and vapors created in removal.
Once the amalgam is safely removed from the tooth, the underlying dark decay is evident. This is then removed and disinfected with ozone prior to restoration of the tooth.
STEP TWO
Insuffulation of the cavity preparation and dentinal tubules with ozone gas to desensitize and disinfect the tooth surface prior to bonding a new metal free restoration.
STEP THREE
Photopolymerization of the resin material to bond to the tooth, and harden.
COMPLETED RESTORATIONS
Teeth restored, decay removed, dentin disinfected. Molar with remaining amalgam restoration has ‘crack’ and too large a ‘filling’ so it will receive a porcelain crown.
SMART is the Safe Mercury Amalgam Removal Technique, which is a set of safety measures to reduce mercury exposures during dental amalgam filling removal. These safety measures were developed as a result of scientific research collected by the International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology (IAOMT).
All dental amalgams, also referred to as silver fillings, contain 50% mercury (a neurotoxin) which is constantly released in the form of an invisible vapor. The process of drilling out amalgam fillings releases even higher quantities of mercury vapor and fine particulates that can be inhaled and absorbed through the lungs. This is potentially harmful to patients, dentists, other dental workers, and the fetuses of patients and all dental personnel.
Dentists who have obtained SMART certification from the IAOMT have completed coursework related to mercury and the safe removal of amalgam fillings. The educational programming includes learning about the application of the rigorous safety measures, including the utilization of specific equipment. To maintain SMART certification, your dentist enrolls in the program annually to review the safety measures.
Visit www.thesmartchoice.com to learn more.
The Safe Mercury Amalgam Removal Technique (SMART) (iaomt.org)