Have you ever wondered what those silver fillings in your mouth are actually made of? Many patients are shocked to discover their “silver” fillings contain a high level of mercury; the same toxic metal you would never dream of touching with your bare hands. If you are experiencing unexplained health issues or simply want to take a proactive approach to reducing your toxic burden, understanding how to remove these fillings safely could be one of the most important decisions you make for your long-term wellness.
At Rose Dental, we follow the SMART protocol (Safe Mercury Amalgam Removal Technique) established by the International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology. Our mercury-free, SMART-certified dental office takes every precaution to minimize your exposure to mercury vapor and particles during the removal process. Dr. Zina Aaron trained under pioneers in biological dentistry and brings that expertise to every amalgam removal procedure.
Why the Removal Method Matters
As most amalgam fillings contain up to 50% mercury, even when performed safely, removing them will temporarily increase your mercury exposure. This is why the removal technique is so critical. Traditional drilling methods can release significant amounts of mercury vapor and particles that you may inhale or swallow during the procedure.
The SMART protocol addresses this concern through a comprehensive set of safety measures. Many dentists are not trained in these specific techniques because they are not taught in traditional dental schools. You need a dentist who has sought out specialized training and invested in the proper equipment to perform mercury-safe removals.
The Eight Conditions of Safe Mercury Removal
Our SMART-certified approach includes eight essential safety measures that work together to protect you during amalgam removal.
- Temperature Control: We use substantial amounts of water throughout the drilling process to keep the filling cool. This reduces the amount of mercury vapor released because mercury vaporizes more readily at higher temperatures.
- Chunking Technique: Rather than grinding down the filling, we section it into large chunks. This approach significantly reduces drilling time and limits mercury vapor production.
- High-Volume Evacuation: We use a powerful vacuum positioned as close to your tooth as possible. A special device called a Clean-Up attaches to the vacuum tip to help capture and hold mercury particles in place before they can escape.
- Clean Air Supply: You breathe pure oxygen through a nasal cannula during the entire procedure. We also place an impermeable barrier, such as a gold-coated mask, over your nose to prevent you from breathing mercury vapors through your mouth.
- Isolation Barrier: A non-latex, nitrile rubber dam is placed around the tooth being treated. While this dam cannot prevent all vapor exposure, it effectively keeps mercury particles from entering your mouth and digestive system.
- Complete Irrigation: After removing the amalgam, we thoroughly rinse everything in and around the treatment area and the surrounding areas. Your mouth is rinsed with a slurry of chlorella or charcoal, which helps bind any remaining mercury particles.
- External Air Filtration: A very large vacuum is positioned directly below your chin throughout the procedure. This captures mercury in both particulate and vapor form before it can escape the immediate work area.
- Protective Equipment: Everyone in the room wears protective gear for their bodies, heads, and faces. This protects you, Dr. Aaron, our dental team, and anyone else present during the procedure.
These eight measures work together to create multiple layers of protection, ensuring minimal mercury exposure throughout your amalgam removal procedure.
Preparing Your Body Before Amalgam Removal
The work of safe mercury removal actually begins before you sit in the dental chair. Mercury never exists alone in your body but attaches to other molecules, particularly ones containing sulfur, like the enzymes glutathione and cysteine. Supporting your body’s natural detoxification systems in advance helps minimize the impact of temporary mercury exposure.
Liposomal Glutathione Supplement
Consider increasing your glutathione levels before your appointment by taking a liposomal glutathione supplement. This critical antioxidant helps your body process and eliminate mercury more effectively.
Sulfur-Based Foods
Your diet also plays a major role in preparation. Increase your intake of sulfur-rich foods in the weeks leading up to your removal. Vegetables from the cruciferous family, such as cabbage, garlic, broccoli, cauliflower, kale, collards, and radishes, are all rich in sulfur compounds. Fermenting these vegetables makes them even more nutritious and easier for your body to utilize.
Garlic
Garlic deserves special attention for its powerful detoxification support. The oil in garlic, in particular, supports your body’s ability to process mercury. You can either eat raw garlic by chewing it thoroughly or purchase a high-quality garlic oil supplement.
Chlorella
Chlorella is a binding agent that attaches to mercury and helps remove it from your body. Other binders like clay, zeolites, and pectin are sometimes recommended, but these bind weakly to the type of mercury found in dental fillings. You would need enormous quantities over many years to achieve significant results with these alternatives.
Supporting Detoxification After Removal
Your detoxification support should continue after your amalgam removal appointment. However, your body cannot handle a constant increase of detox substances over the long term. The treatment should be pulsed rather than continuous.
Start with five days of supplementation followed by two days off. As your body adjusts, you can work up to ten days on and four days off. Pay attention to how you feel during this process. If you begin to feel worse, you may be detoxing too quickly and should reduce the intensity or frequency of your protocol.
Your excretory pathways need to be prepared and supported during this time. The primary pathways your body uses to eliminate mercury are your kidneys, liver, and colon. For the type of mercury found in dental fillings, your kidneys play a significant role.
Drinking plenty of filtered water supports kidney function and helps flush mercury from your system. Ozone therapy can also support your body’s natural healing processes following amalgam removal.
Experience Safe Amalgam Removal at Rose Dental
Removing mercury amalgam fillings is an essential step toward reducing your toxic burden, but only when performed with proper safety protocols. At Rose Dental in Tucker, Georgia, we combine SMART-certified training with specialized equipment to protect your health during every amalgam removal procedure. Our commitment to biocompatible dentistry means we consider how every treatment affects your whole-body wellness.
Ready to remove your mercury fillings safely? Contact Rose Dental today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Zina Aaron and learn more about our SMART protocol approach to amalgam removal!