SAFE AMALGAM REMOVAL 

Dental amalgam is a type of filling material that has been used successfully in dentistry for over a hundred years. It is a mixture of metals that typically includes silver, copper, tin, and mercury. Amalgam is extremely durable and lasts a long time, making it a popular choice for fillings.

However, there are drawbacks in using amalgam fillings. Amalgam contains mercury, which has been proven to pose a health risk to humans. Mercury makes up about 50 percent of the mixture, and it is the most toxic and dangerous metal out of these metals. Research has shown that mercury can cause many health issues.

Should Amalgam Fillings Be Removed? 

Amalgam was first introduced in the United States as an improvement on gold fillings, which were starting to show signs of wear and breakage. Amalgam was a cheaper option than porcelain or gold at the time, so it was a popular choice for dentists and patients alike. However, we now know that there are many health risks associated with dental amalgams.

The association of mercury with Alzheimer's disease is one of the best-known dangers of dental amalgam.

Mercury is a poisonous metal that is dangerous to the human body, even in small amounts. When mercury interacts with saliva in the mouth, it forms an acidic compound called methylmercury. This can damage the brain over time and lead to the development of Alzheimer's symptoms. A brain autopsy of an Alzheimer's patient showed elevated levels of mercury in the brain. 

There is also evidence that dental amalgams can lead to kidney damage.

These are a few reasons why you would want to speak with a dental professional about the removal of amalgam fillings. Amalgam fillings should also be removed if you are already suffering from other health problems, as mercury exposure can lead to further complications.

How It Works - The SMART Protocol Process

The SMART  is the acronym for "Safe Mercury Amalgam Removal Technique." It involves adhering to some safety measures to minimize exposure to mercury vapor and particulate matter.

When removing existing metal fillings, it's imperative to follow all safety precautions to keep both your patients and yourself unharmed during the procedure. Amalgam fillings, when broken down from decaying or being removed can be released into the air and absorbed into the bloodstream. This is why it's so important for the dental team to take the necessary precautions to ensure that you're safe from any harmful materials that could pose a health risk to both the dentist and the patient. Here is how the The SMART Protocol Process is followed at our dental practice:

First, our dental team starts by wearing a properly fitted face mask to prevent any inhalation of the toxic material. We also take proper ventilation measures by making sure that the room is properly ventilated with fresh air by opening windows and/or using an evacuation system to evacuate the amalgam particles in air. During the process, the patient will breathe through an independent oxygen supply. We also isolate the patient's teeth with a rubber dam and utilize a high-speed vacuum and a large volume of flushed water to reduce amalgams escaping to the gut system. Everyone on the dental team wears gloves to protect their hands from any hazardous materials. Lastly, the removed filings are disposed of in a manner that follows all local environmental regulations. Please contact us to learn more about our SMART Protocol

Once we have safely removed the fillings, we also replace them with a tooth-colored, metal-free, BPA-free, and fluoride-free composite restoration to prevent any further issues down the road, such as decay or breakage. At Seattle Dental Care, we offer composite restorations specifically engineered to fit the unique needs of every patient. We can design your custom restoration to perfectly match the shape of your existing teeth so it blends seamlessly into your smile.

To learn more, please contact the dentist in Seattle, WA, at (206) 728-1330 or visit us at 2107 Elliott Ave Ste 210, Seattle, WA 98121. We will be happy to guide you further.