SMART Safe Mercury Removal
Dr. Katie To is the only dentist in Katy, TX who is SMART certified. If you are looking to get rid of those old-fashioned silver fillings, SMART certification makes it safe.
Amalgam fillings are a mixture of powdered metal alloy and liquid mercury. Until several decades ago, amalgam fillings were the standard for posterior (back) teeth because of their durability and longevity. Since they are not visible when people smile naturally, the cosmetics were not considered too important.
Times have changed.
Today, tooth-colored fillings and crowns are the standard alternatives to amalgam fillings. The materials available today are 
superior to those of the past. In addition, with today’s materials, patients needn’t be concerned about the impact on their smiles and the mercury vapor in their mouths.
Do You Want to Get Rid of Your Silver Mercury Fillings?
Many dentists avoid removing mercury because it is generally considered safe to have them. Many of us had large amalgam fillings as kids and today find them breaking down, feeling sensitive, or even turning our teeth a dark gray color.
Are Mercury Amalgam Fillings Safe?
Even though mercury had been deemed safe by the American Dental Association and Food and Drug Administration, patients often have an aversion to mercury in their mouths. At Dr. Katie To, Center for Integrative Wellness and Cosmetic Dentistry, we understand your concerns and are here to help you achieve your dental health goals. We also recognize that some patients are sensitive to metals and prefer an alternative.
What Is SMART Certification?
SMART dentistry stands for Safe Mercury Amalgam Removal Technique. Dr. Katie is SMART certified through the International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology (IAOMT). Because removing amalgam fillings can release additional mercury vapor, safe removal is essential. Here are some of the precautions we follow when removing amalgam fillings in our Katy, TX dental practice.
- Proper air filtration and circulation
- Adequate rubber dam barrier use
- Protective gowns for the dentist and patient
- Use of a dental vacuum (suction)
- Oxygen use
- Efficient procedures
- Environmentally appropriate disposal
If you would like to learn more about this high-tech process, we invite you to ask for an office tour. Our dental office uses the latest and most advanced techniques and equipment to ensure safety for you and our dental team.
Will I Have a White Filling after My Amalgam Is Removed?
Depending on the age and size of your silver mercury filling, Dr. Katie may opt to replace it with a natural, metal-free, composite tooth-colored filling. In some cases, if the amalgam was particularly large or it caused the tooth to crack, a tooth crown may be a more stable alternative.
Dr. Katie will discuss your options, as well as the outcome to expect from each so that you can make an educated choice that works best for your dental health and lifestyle.
Call Us for Safe Mercury Filling Removal
Our Katy, TX dental office always welcomes new patients. If you would like to discuss your overall health and how your dentistry can positively impact your life, we are here for you!
