Smart Mercury Amalgam Removal
If an Amalgam Filling Needs to Come Out, How We Remove It Matters
Silver-colored dental amalgam contains mercury. When an existing amalgam restoration
needs to be replaced, we take additional precautions during removal.
At Natural Focus, we follow the SMART — Safe Mercury Amalgam Removal Technique
— recommendations developed by the International Academy of Oral Medicine and
Toxicology (IAOMT). SMART is designed to reduce exposure to mercury vapor and
amalgam particles for the patient, dental team, and treatment environment during
removal.
What Makes SMART Different?
SMART incorporates multiple protective steps rather than simply drilling out an
amalgam filling.
Depending on the clinical situation, these measures include:
● Protective barriers and isolation
● High-volume suction
● External air and filtration
● Generous water irrigation
● Sectioning the amalgam so it can be removed in larger pieces rather than
unnecessarily grinding it away
● Thorough cleaning and evacuation after removal
What Happens After the Amalgam Is Removed?
We evaluate how much healthy tooth structure remains and choose the restoration
based on the size, strength, and function of that tooth.
Depending on the situation, this may include a tooth-colored filling, ceramic inlay or
onlay, or ceramic crown.
The Natural Focus Difference
We don’t recommend removing every amalgam filling simply because it exists.
We consider the condition of the restoration, the tooth underneath it, your dental history,
and your individual preferences before recommending treatment.
When removal is appropriate, we want to do it as thoughtfully as possible.