The SMART Protocol

Studio Z Dental uses the SMART protocol to safely remove metal and amalgam filling from our patients’ teeth. We are part of a few dentists who follow this detailed protocol. It is much more comprehensive than what most dentists, even holistic dentists, use when removing these fillings.

It is not a lot more involved for our patients and doesn’t take much more time for you. It’s about what we do behind the scenes to ensure the healthiest procedure from start to finish for you.

Who Is It For?

We employ the SMART protocol whenever removing amalgam fillings. Mercury, silver, tin, copper, and occasionally zinc make up an amalgam filling. These fillings are still used in the United States and other countries worldwide. Though they are often called “silver fillings” (primarily due to their color), they are 45% to 55% elemental mercury. However, mercury is proven toxic and poses a dangerous health threat.

Mercury can accumulate within the body, and any amount of accumulated mercury is considered hazardous. That’s why we need to remove these fillings properly. It is essential to a person’s overall health.

How Does It Work?

SMART is the protocol recommended by IAOMT. It stands for Safe Mercury Amalgam Removal Technique, and we think using it is essential to ensuring our patient’s health and safety.

The SMART protocol involves the following measures:

● Before the procedure, an amalgam separator must be installed to collect mercury amalgam waste and prevent it from being released into the dental office.

● Before the procedure, the patient should be given an absorbent to rinse and swallow (unless they decline or there is a contraindication).

● Any room used for removing mercury fillings has a Swiss IQ high-volume air purification system capable of removing amalgam particles and mercury vapor.

● The patient can wear protective gowns and covers if they choose.

● All personnel wear non-latex nitrile gloves.

● A dental dam is used to seal the patient’s mouth properly.

● A saliva ejector is used with the dam to reduce the patient’s mercury exposure.

● At our office, we also have extra mercury filters and an air ionization system. These steps are above and beyond the SMART protocol.

We also properly dispose of the toxic ingredients during and after the procedure. These steps maintain the health and safety of the facility, the staff, and the patient.

Why Use It?

The dangers of mercury are well-known, and when removing an amalgam filling, your dentist must take the proper steps to ensure that as little mercury as possible gets into the environment. Not following the SMART procedure will allow mercury to find its way onto the patient’s body, the dentist, the dental assistant, and the dental office.

We find this a dangerous occurrence and think it is vital to follow the SMART technique to minimize this risk as much as possible.

Have questions? Get in touch with us today at 303-802-4313.