Safe Amalgam Removal
The Safe Mercury Amalgam Removal Technique (SMART) Protocol is a series of steps taken to safely remove amalgam fillings with minimal exposure to harmful elements during the process.
Developed by the International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology (IAOMT), this protocol has been scientifically tested to reduce harmful exposure to mercury particles and vapour.
The Steps
Pre-operative care
Getting you and your body ready
Pre-operative checks are taken to make sure your body is healthy and ready for the process of amalgam removal.
This may involve consultation with an integrative doctor.
Ventilation and Filtration
At source elimination of free vapours with powerful high volume evacuation (suction).
Open windows and filtration to reduce air concentration of vapours.
A mixture of charcoal and chlorella is sometimes given in tablet form to coat the mouth.
Personal Protective Equipment
PPE
Protective gowns, hairnets, ventilation equipment will be used to ensure minimal exposure to anything that escapes the suction unit.
A sealed respiratory unit will be given to the patient to provide external air and oxygen.
Rubber dam
A non-latex dental rubber dam is applied to prevent any leakage into the mouth and properly sealed tight.
Removal techniques
Extra care with the drill
Care is taken to remove the amalgam bulk in “chunks” and reducing particulate matter.
There will always be sufficient irrigation and coolant to prevent heating the amalgam.
