How the dentists in East Lyme, Connecticut can remove mercury-filled fillings safely.
If you have old fillings, chances are they are mercury-filled metal fillings. Metal, known as amalgam, was the conventional material used for fillings years ago. Unfortunately, metal fillings contain mercury, a toxic material that can cause physiological problems like headaches and other unpleasant signs and symptoms.
The good news is, your dentist can safely remove mercury-filled fillings using a process known as SMART. The dentists at East Lyme Family & Cosmetic Dentistry use SMART technology for safe mercury filling removal. They proudly serve residents of East Lyme, Old Lyme, Waterford, Salem, Montvale, and New London, Connecticut and they can help your smile too.
SMART
SMART stands for Safe Mercury Amalgam Removal Technique. SMART consists of a set of recommendations and protocols developed by the International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology, also known as IAOMT. The dentists at East Lyme Family & Cosmetic Dentistry have a special certification in safe mercury filling removal from the SMART program.
Personal protective equipment including masks, along with high volume suction and water irrigation are important components of the program. Other recommendations include:
- Using an amalgam separator to stop amalgam waste material from going into the air
- Patient rooms should have a high-volume air filtration system to eliminate amalgam particles and mercury vapor
- Windows need to be open to limit the mercury in the air
- Patients should rinse with a charcoal solution before fillings are removed
- A dental dam should be used to catch mercury and amalgam particles during filling removal
For a complete listing of protocols and recommendations, please visit this link: https://iaomt.org/resources/safe-removal-amalgam-fillings/?_ga=2.32902654.1302658872.1575763579-221683555.1575763579
Once the mercury-filled fillings are removed, they can be replaced with a more natural-looking, more healthy filling material known as composite. This material contains no metal or mercury, and it can be matched to the color of your teeth, providing a completely natural look.
To find out more about safe mercury-filled filling removal and the SMART program, call the dentists of East Lyme Family & Cosmetic Dentistry in East Lyme, Connecticut at (860) 739-3447. Call today!