SMART Amalgam Removal in Columbus, GA
A Thoughtful Approach to Mercury Amalgam Filling Removal
Dental amalgam fillings—often called “silver fillings”—contain approximately 50% mercury. When an amalgam filling is drilled or removed, mercury vapor and small particles may be released.
At Whole Tree Dentistry, Dr. Ashley Bassett and Dr. Gloria Weldon are certified in the Safe Mercury Amalgam Removal Technique (SMART) developed by the International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology (IAOMT). This protocol uses specific protective measures designed to reduce exposure to mercury vapor and amalgam particles for both the patient and our clinical team during removal.
What Is the SMART Protocol?
SMART is a set of safety recommendations for removing existing mercury amalgam fillings. It combines specialized equipment, isolation techniques, suction, filtration, water irrigation, and protective barriers to help minimize exposure during treatment.
SMART certification requires dentists to complete educational coursework related to dental amalgam, mercury exposure, and the proper application of these protective measures.
Protective Measures Used During Treatment
During SMART amalgam removal at Whole Tree Dentistry, protective measures may include:
- Rubber dam isolation to help prevent the swallowing or inhalation of debris
- High-volume suction to capture particles and vapor near the treatment area
- Air-filtration equipment in the treatment room
- Copious water spray to keep the filling cool and reduce vapor release
- Protective barriers and coverings for the patient and clinical team
- Supplemental oxygen during the amalgam removal procedure
- Activated charcoal before and after treatment
- Careful handling and disposal of removed amalgam material
These measures are designed to reduce exposure; however, no removal protocol can guarantee the complete elimination of mercury vapor or particles.
Does Every Amalgam Filling Need to Be Removed?
No. An amalgam filling that is intact and functioning properly does not necessarily need to be replaced.
The decision to remove a filling should be based on:
- The condition of the tooth and existing restoration
- Signs of cracking, leakage, decay, or failure
- Your individual health considerations
- Your treatment goals and preferences
- A discussion with your dentist about the potential risks and benefits
Removing a sound filling may result in a temporary increase in mercury exposure and may require the removal of some healthy tooth structure. Our doctors evaluate each tooth carefully before recommending treatment.
What Happens After the Filling Is Removed?
After the amalgam is removed, your dentist will evaluate the tooth and restore it with an appropriate alternative restorative material.
The material selected will depend on the condition and location of the tooth, the size of the restoration, and your individual treatment needs.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
As a safety precaution, amalgam filling removal is generally postponed during pregnancy and breastfeeding unless there is an urgent dental or medical need.
Please tell us if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or think you may be pregnant before scheduling treatment.
Who Can Receive SMART Amalgam Removal?
SMART amalgam removal is available to patients who have completed a comprehensive dental examination at Whole Tree Dentistry.
The comprehensive exam allows our doctors to evaluate your teeth, existing restorations, oral health, and treatment needs before determining whether amalgam removal is appropriate. A comprehensive examination with our office is required before SMART treatment can be planned or scheduled.
Is SMART Amalgam Removal Right for You?
Every patient and every tooth is different. Before recommending treatment, one of our SMART-certified doctors will evaluate your existing fillings, discuss your concerns and goals, and explain the options appropriate for your dental health.
If you are not currently an established patient, the first step is to contact our office and complete the new-patient process. Once we receive your completed paperwork, we can schedule your comprehensive dental examination.
Call Whole Tree Dentistry at 706-596-1876 to learn more or begin the new-patient process.
Frequently Asked Questions
SMART stands for Safe Mercury Amalgam Removal Technique.
No. Dental amalgam is a mixture of metals and contains approximately 50% elemental mercury.
No removal process can completely eliminate exposure. SMART uses multiple protective measures designed to reduce exposure to mercury vapor and amalgam particles during the procedure.
No. Our doctors evaluate each filling individually. An intact, properly functioning amalgam filling does not always need to be replaced.
Dr. Ashley Bassett and Dr. Gloria Weldon are SMART certified through the International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology and provide SMART amalgam removal at Whole Tree Dentistry.
Before SMART amalgam removal can be planned or scheduled, you must complete a comprehensive dental examination at Whole Tree Dentistry. This examination allows our doctors to evaluate your dental health, determine whether amalgam removal is appropriate, and develop a treatment plan based on your individual needs.
