Safe Mercury-Amalgam Removal
At Oakland Aesthetic Dentistry, we are a mercury-free and mercury-safe office. We follow the SMART (Safe Mercury Amalgam Removal Technique) protocol, as recommended by the International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology.
The IAOMT is a global network of dentists, health professionals, and scientists who research the biocompatibility of dental products, including the risks of mercury fillings. They are a non-profit organization, dedicated to protecting public health and the environment since 1984.
For the safety of patients and staff, safe mercury removal requires some extra precautions:
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A slurry of activated charcoal is used as a pretreatment rinse to reduce the risk of mercury absorption during the procedure
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A dental dam is placed to isolate the tooth and prevent mercury particles/vapor entering the oral cavity
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External air or oxygen delivered through a nasal mask
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High-volume vacuum to suction the release of mercury vapor
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Protective garments for the patient, dentist, and staff
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An air purifier to remove mercury particulates and vapor from the office
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A mercury separator is used to prevent the release of mercury into the environment
After your mercury restoration is removed, we use only the safest, most biocompatible material to restore your tooth.