The Safe Mercury Amalgam Removal Technique (SMART)

At Kitcha Dental Clinic, we prioritize your health and safety by following the Safe Mercury Amalgam Removal Technique (SMART) protocol, established by the International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology (IAOMT). Our commitment to excellence ensures that your dental care is not only effective but also safe and environmentally responsible.

The Safe Mercury Amalgam Removal Technique (SMART) is a set of rigorous safety recommendations designed to protect patients, dental professionals, and the environment from mercury exposure during the removal of dental amalgam fillings. These protocols are based on the latest scientific research and were most recently updated by the IAOMT on July 19, 2019. Our dentists at Kitcha Dental Clinic are certified in SMART, ensuring you receive the highest standard of care.

Dental amalgam fillings contain approximately 50% mercury, which can release harmful mercury vapors during everyday activities like brushing and chewing. The release of mercury is significantly higher during the placement, replacement, and removal of these fillings. Mercury vapor is a known neurotoxin that can affect the nervous, digestive, and immune systems, as well as the lungs and kidneys. Chronic exposure to mercury vapor can have serious health implications, making it crucial to handle amalgam fillings with the utmost care.

At Kitcha Dental Clinic, we implement the SMART protocol to minimize your exposure to mercury vapors and particulates. This protocol ensures that both patients and dental professionals are protected from the potential hazards associated with mercury exposure.

Our SMART-certified dentists follow these comprehensive safety measures to protect your health during amalgam removal:

• Amalgam Separator: Properly installed and maintained to collect mercury waste, preventing it from contaminating the environment. This device ensures that mercury waste is safely captured and disposed of according to environmental regulations.

• Room Filtration: High-volume air filtration systems are used in our treatment rooms to effectively remove mercury vapor and particles. These systems help maintain clean air quality, reducing the risk of mercury inhalation for both patients and dental staff.

• Air Quality: Whenever possible, windows are opened to lower the concentration of mercury vapor in the air. Proper ventilation is a simple yet effective measure to enhance indoor air quality during amalgam removal procedures.

• Pre-Procedure Rinse: Patients rinse with a slurry of charcoal, Chlorella, or similar adsorbent before the procedure to minimize mercury absorption. This step helps to bind any mercury particles that may be released, reducing their absorption in the body.

• Protective Gear: Dentists, dental personnel, and patients wear protective gowns, gloves, face shields, and head coverings to prevent mercury contamination. This gear protects all individuals in the treatment room from mercury exposure.

• Respiratory Protection: Dentists and staff use respiratory-grade masks or positive pressure masks to avoid inhaling mercury vapors. These masks are designed to filter out mercury particles, ensuring clean air for dental professionals.

• Patient Protection: Full-body impermeable barriers and non-latex Nitrile dental dams are used to safeguard the patient from mercury exposure. These barriers prevent mercury particles from contacting the patient’s skin or clothing.

• External Air Supply: Patients receive air or oxygen through a nasal mask or cannula to prevent inhaling mercury vapors. This ensures that the patient breathes clean air throughout the procedure.

• Aerosol Vacuum: An at-source oral aerosol vacuum is used close to the operating field to capture mercury vapors generated during the removal process. This device significantly reduces the amount of mercury released into the air.

• High-Speed Evacuation: Combined with copious water to cool the filling, reducing heat and mercury vapor release. High-speed evacuation systems capture mercury discharges efficiently, minimizing ambient mercury levels.

• Sectioning Technique: Amalgam is sectioned into large pieces and removed with a small diameter carbide drill to minimize mercury exposure. This technique reduces the amount of mercury vapor released during the procedure.

• Post-Procedure Rinse: The patient’s mouth is thoroughly rinsed with water and a slurry of charcoal or Chlorella post-procedure to remove any residual mercury particles. This final rinse helps to ensure that no mercury remains in the patient’s mouth.

These measures ensure that the amalgam removal process is safe for patients, dental professionals, and the environment.

We adhere to all federal, state, and local regulations for the safe handling and disposal of mercury-contaminated materials. Our protocols extend beyond the removal procedure itself, encompassing the safe cleaning and disposal of any materials and equipment that come into contact with mercury.

Additionally, we take extra precautions to ensure that pregnant or breastfeeding women are not exposed to mercury during their visits. The IAOMT does not recommend amalgam filling removal for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, and we follow these guidelines rigorously to protect both our patients and staff.

At Kitcha Dental Clinic, your safety and well-being are our top priorities. We are dedicated to providing you with safe and effective dental care using the latest and most reliable methods. Our commitment to the SMART protocol underscores our dedication to patient safety, environmental responsibility, and professional excellence.

Contact us today to learn more about our SMART-certified services and how we can help you achieve a healthier smile. Trust Kitcha Dental Clinic for your dental care needs, where your health and safety come first.