Are you concerned about the mercury in your dental fillings? Many patients worry about potential health effects of amalgam fillings, especially as new information emerges about mercury exposure. You deserve safe, effective removal options that protect your health during the process.
At Club K Holistic Dental, our team follows the strictest safety protocols for amalgam removal as part of our broader commitment to holistic dental care. Dr. Knapton is certified in the SMART (Safe Mercury Amalgam Removal Technique) protocol, ensuring both patients and our dental team remain protected throughout the removal process.
Experience comprehensive dental care that considers your overall health and wellness with natural treatment approaches.
Dental amalgam fillings, often called “silver fillings,” contain approximately 50% mercury mixed with other metals including silver, tin, and copper. These fillings have been used for over 150 years due to their durability and affordability. However, according to the International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology (IAOMT), research shows these fillings release small amounts of mercury vapor, particularly during placement and removal.
While the FDA and ADA consider amalgam fillings safe for most adults and children over six, growing concerns have led many patients to request removal. Some individuals may be more sensitive to mercury exposure, including pregnant women, children, and those with certain health conditions or mercury sensitivities.
Patients choose to have their amalgam fillings removed for a range of reasons. Mercury is a neurotoxin that can potentially affect your nervous system, immune system, and other bodily functions when exposure levels are high enough. Beyond health concerns, mercury fillings can darken over time, causing the surrounding tooth structure to appear gray or discolored. Some patients simply want peace of mind knowing their restorations are fully biocompatible.
The reasons patients most commonly consider removal include:
Whatever your reason, safe removal requires a certified provider following proper protocol — improperly removing amalgam fillings without adequate precautions can expose you to mercury vapor levels far exceeding what the fillings release naturally over time.
Specialized protocols to safely remove mercury fillings and replace them with biocompatible materials $50 per quadrantThe SMART protocol is a comprehensive set of safety measures developed by the IAOMT specifically for the safe removal of mercury amalgam fillings. It goes far beyond standard dental practices to minimize mercury exposure for everyone in the treatment room, and not all dentists are trained to perform it. Dr. Knapton is SMART-certified, which requires completing coursework, scientific readings, and testing through the IAOMT.
Our SMART protocol includes multiple protective measures working together to create the safest possible environment:
Our dental team wears protective equipment including masks with mercury vapor filters, hair coverings, and full-body coverings to ensure everyone’s safety during the procedure.
Arriving well-prepared helps your body manage the removal process more effectively. In the days before your appointment, avoid alcohol and processed foods, stay well-hydrated, and eat a nutritious meal before you arrive. We may recommend starting detoxification support supplements beforehand, which we will discuss during your consultation. Avoid wearing jewelry, perfumes, or lotions that could interfere with protective barriers. Our team will provide specific pre-treatment instructions tailored to your individual health needs.
The process also includes post-removal guidance on nutritional support and timing considerations to support your body’s natural detoxification processes after the procedure.
After removing amalgam fillings, we offer several biocompatible restoration alternatives.
These tooth-colored fillings provide a natural appearance while effectively restoring your teeth. Made from a mixture of plastic and fine glass particles, composite resins bond directly to your tooth structure, requiring less removal of healthy tooth tissue compared to amalgam.
For larger restorations, ceramic inlays and onlays offer excellent durability while maintaining a natural appearance. These custom-made restorations are fabricated with our in-office milling system and bonded to your tooth.
When a tooth requires full coverage, we offer metal-free ceramic crowns restoring both function and aesthetics without introducing any metals into your mouth. Our team will discuss which option best suits your specific needs based on the size of the restoration, location in your mouth, and your personal preferences.
Dental amalgam fillings contain approximately 50% mercury, which is a known neurotoxin that can potentially affect your nervous system, immune system, and other bodily functions. Research shows these fillings release small amounts of mercury vapor, particularly during chewing, grinding, placement, and removal. While the FDA considers amalgam fillings safe for most adults, some individuals may be more sensitive to mercury exposure, including pregnant women, children, and those with certain health conditions. Growing concerns about long-term exposure have led many patients to request safe removal.
Our comprehensive SMART protocol includes rubber dam isolation to prevent swallowing mercury particles, supplemental oxygen through a nasal mask during the procedure, high-volume suction systems capturing mercury vapor and particles, specialized protective barriers and draping from head-to-toe, activated charcoal rinses before and after the procedure, sectioning amalgam fillings rather than drilling them out entirely to reduce heat and vapor generation, and proper disposal of all mercury-contaminated materials according to EPA regulations.
The IAOMT does not recommend amalgam filling removal for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding as a safety precaution. If you are planning to become pregnant, having your amalgam fillings safely removed beforehand may be beneficial. We can discuss the best timing for your specific situation and provide guidance on detoxification support if appropriate for your health goals.
The cost of SMART mercury removal varies depending on the number and size of fillings, the type of replacement material chosen, and the complexity of your case. The specialized equipment, additional safety protocols, and extended time required for safe removal make it more involved than conventional amalgam removal. We provide transparent pricing and detailed cost estimates during your consultation. As a fee-for-service practice, we work with your insurance company’s out-of-network benefits and offer flexible payment plans to make this accessible.
The time required depends on the number and size of fillings being removed. For patients with multiple amalgam fillings, we often plan treatment in phases, usually by quadrant, to make the process more manageable both clinically and financially. During your consultation, we will provide a detailed treatment plan with timing estimates based on your specific needs.
While technically possible to remove multiple fillings in one appointment, we often recommend a phased approach. A gradual approach allows your body time to process and eliminate mercury between appointments. The number of fillings removed per session depends on their location, size, your overall health status, and your comfort level.
You might consider removal if you have concerns about long-term mercury exposure, are planning pregnancy, have multiple large amalgam fillings showing signs of wear or leakage, or simply want to eliminate a potential source of mercury from your body. Some patients report improvements in chronic fatigue, headaches, or other symptoms after safe mercury removal, though individual results vary. During your consultation, we will discuss your specific concerns and help you make an informed decision.
Preparation includes following any pre-treatment supplement or dietary recommendations we provide, eating a nutritious meal before your appointment, avoiding alcohol and processed foods for several days before treatment, staying well-hydrated, and avoiding jewelry, perfumes, or lotions. Our team will provide specific pre-treatment instructions tailored to your individual needs and health status.
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