Safe Mercury Amalgam Removal Technique (SMART)

What is the Safe Mercury Amalgam Removal Technique (SMART)?

At Champions for Oral Health, we are a SMART-Certified dental office. The Safe Mercury Amalgam Removal Technique (SMART) was developed by the International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology (IAOMT) to minimize mercury exposure when removing silver (amalgam) fillings.

While silver fillings have been used for decades, they contain approximately 50% mercury, a heavy metal known to be toxic at high exposure levels. Research shows that removal of amalgam fillings without proper safeguards can release mercury vapor that may be inhaled or ingested by patients and the dental team. The SMART protocol ensures that removal is done in the safest, most biologically responsible way possible.

Why Choose SMART?

• Patient Safety First – SMART uses specialized barriers, high-volume filtration, and isolation techniques to prevent mercury vapor exposure.
• Team Protection – Dental professionals are safeguarded with advanced filtration systems, protective equipment, and oxygen delivery systems.
• Environmental Stewardship – Proper capture and disposal of mercury waste ensures it doesn’t contaminate our water or community.

How SMART Protects You

Our SMART procedure follows evidence-based steps recommended by IAOMT:

• Isolation with a Rubber Dam – Prevents mercury particles from entering the mouth or being swallowed.
• Supplemental Oxygen – Patients breathe clean oxygen to avoid inhaling any vapor.
• High-Volume Suction & Filtration – Specialized suction systems capture mercury vapor and particles at the source.
• Sectioning & Gentle Removal – Fillings are removed in large pieces, reducing drilling and aerosolization.
• Air Purification – Advanced filtration (Surgically Clean Air, IQ Air) keeps the treatment room environment clean and safe.

Benefits for Patients

• Peace of Mind – Confidence that mercury is removed in the safest way possible.
• Biocompatible Restorations – Replaced with modern, tooth-colored, metal-free materials that blend seamlessly with your smile.
• Whole-Body Wellness – Reduces unnecessary toxic exposure and supports your long-term health.
• Aesthetics + Function – New restorations not only look natural but also restore strength and durability to your teeth.

Benefits for Our Team & Community

• Occupational Safety – Protects our dental professionals from long-term mercury exposure.
• Clean Office Air – High-grade air purification supports a healthier treatment environment.
• Environmental Responsibility – Mercury waste is properly contained and recycled, not released into local water systems.

What the Research Shows

• Studies confirm that mercury vapor is released during the removal of amalgam fillings and can be inhaled or absorbed without proper safety measures (Richardson et al., J Occup Med Toxicol 2011).
• The IAOMT SMART protocol reduces mercury exposure significantly compared to conventional removal methods (Biometals 2016).
• Patients who have amalgams replaced with biocompatible materials report improvements in oral comfort, aesthetics, and overall health perception (Clin Oral Investig 2019).

Is SMART Right for You?

If you have old silver fillings and are considering replacement for cosmetic, functional, or health reasons, SMART offers a safe, modern alternative. Our team at Champions for Oral Health is certified, trained, and equipped with the latest technology to ensure your safety and comfort.

Schedule Your SMART Consultation Today

Take the next step toward a healthier, more confident smile. Call (703) 591-5637 or click below to reserve your SMART consultation at Champions for Oral Health in Fairfax, VA.