Mercury Filling Removal
Metal or amalgam dental fillings can disrupt the look of your smile and release mercury vapor into your body when chewing or brushing.
Our team of dentists provides the safe removal of amalgam fillings for patients and can replace them with aesthetic metal-free restorations.
Why should you choose Enlighten Dental for your mercury filling removal?
Our Team Uses a Safe and Renowned Technique
Increased Safety
Studies have shown that metal fillings release mercury vapor during the placement, replacement, and removal processes. Developed by the International Academy of Oral Medicine & Toxicology, the Safe Mercury Amalgam Removal Technique (SMART) offers a healthy removal method for both the patient and the dentist.
Selected Materials
As SMART providers, we use only equipment such as a dam, external touching device, charcoal, surgical masks, water irrigation systems, and head-to-toe coverage to protect you and our team from mercury released into the air during removal.Training
All of our doctors follow the SMART protocol when removing metal fillings. Additionally, Dr. Sam Paulos has undergone training and certification as part of his continuing education to provide the SMART technique for his patients.
Why Replace Your Metal Fillings Now?
According to the World Health Organization, amalgam restorations contain roughly 50 percent mercury. Additionally, these fillings emit increased amounts of mercury vapor during:
- Brushing
- Flossing
- Teeth grinding
- Eating
- Placement of a filling
- Replacement of a filling
- Removal of a filling
Treatment Can Help Patients with Problematic Fillings and More
In general, there are three reasons why you would need to have a metal filling removed:
Unhappy with Your Smile
Mercury fillings are often visible when you talk and laugh. The silver color stands out against an otherwise white smile. For this reason, many patients choose to have their amalgam fillings removed and replaced with tooth-colored composite fillings.
Need to Replace a Filling
If you develop new decay around your old filling or it becomes loose or broken, it requires professional treatment to protect your tooth from further damage. During an appointment, we can remove your old filling using the SMART protocol and explain your replacement options.
Mercury Toxicity or Hypersensitivity
If your medical doctor or naturopath is concerned with the level of mercury in your body or if you have been diagnosed with mercury hypersensitivity you may want to consider having your amalgam fillings removed safely. We recommend consulting with a medical doctor or naturopath that is well versed in heavy metal detox or chelation therapy. Many patients become ill during heavy metal detox and can cause kidney damage if they are not supervised by an experienced doctor.
The SMART Protocol Involves Six Steps
The technique we use to remove old amalgam fillings is very detailed. Our priority is to keep the doctor and patient protected from exposure to harmful materials at all times.
During Your Treatment
Your Treatment Will Be Completed with a Metal-Free Restoration
Once the metal filling is removed, it needs to be replaced to prevent your tooth structure from becoming even more weakened.
Depending on the integrity of your remaining tooth structure, we can provide a variety of bio-friendly restorative options, including:
Metal-free restorations can help strengthen your tooth and come in a variety of materials and colors that match the texture and shade of your natural smile, such as composite resin, porcelain, and zirconia.
Our Team Will Guide You Through Every Step of the Process
The SMART technique involves some tools and clothing which may seem foreign or intimidating. However, every piece of equipment we use is aimed at keeping both you and the doctor safe. During the procedure, we use tools such as:
- Room filtration system
- Charcoal rinse or pills
- Mercury vapor masks
- Non-latex nitrile gloves
- Hair and head coverings
- Impermeable, full-body coverings
- An oxygen mask or nasal cannula
- Saliva ejector
- Non-latex dental dam
- Head, face, and neck barrier around the dam
- A vacuum that mitigates mercury exposure
- Water to reduce heat generated during the procedure
Our team will guide you through the entire process and explain how each tool works to help you feel at ease during treatment.
Our Team of Dentists Can Help
Amalgam fillings can stand out against the color of your teeth, making even the whitest smile look uneven. We practice a safe, effective removal technique to reduce your exposure to mercury and deliver more aesthetically pleasing and biocompatible results.
If you are considering replacing your amalgam fillings, reach out to Enlighten Dental today. Call us at (604) 876-9228 or request a consultation online to learn more about our unique approach to mercury removal.
