Understanding Mercury Exposure Risks
Mercury ranks among the most toxic heavy metals, and dental amalgams contain approximately 50% mercury by weight. These fillings release mercury vapor constantly, but drilling and removal can increase exposure levels by 100 times or more without adequate protection.
The vapor gets absorbed through your lungs and distributed throughout your body, where it can accumulate in organs and tissues. Pregnant women face additional concerns since mercury crosses the placental barrier and affects developing nervous systems.
Symptoms of mercury exposure vary widely but often include fatigue, memory problems, mood changes, and neurological issues. Many patients report feeling significantly better after safe mercury removal in Irving eliminates this ongoing exposure source.
The SMART Protocol Difference
The SMART protocol establishes strict guidelines that minimize mercury exposure for everyone in the treatment room. These evidence-based procedures go far beyond basic safety measures to create the highest level of protection possible.
Key safety elements include high-volume suction systems that capture mercury vapor before it can be inhaled, rubber dam isolation that prevents amalgam particles from being swallowed, and specialized air filtration that removes mercury from the treatment room atmosphere.
Additional protection involves supplying clean air directly to you during the procedure, sectioning amalgams into large pieces to minimize drilling time, and using copious water irrigation to keep temperatures low and reduce vapor release.
Pre-Removal Preparation
Your safety begins before the actual removal procedure starts. Nutritional support protocols help optimize your body’s natural detoxification systems in advance. Specific supplements support liver and kidney function while binding agents help eliminate mercury more effectively.
Dr. Marshall Olson reviews your medical history and current health status to develop personalized preparation recommendations. Some patients benefit from additional detoxification support, while others need modifications based on existing health conditions.
The preparation phase also includes discussing replacement materials through biocompatibility testing. This ensures the new restorations work harmoniously with your body chemistry rather than introducing new sensitivities.
Advanced Safety Equipment
Our practice invests in specialized equipment designed specifically for mercury-safe dentistry. High-powered external suction systems capture mercury vapor at the source before it disperses throughout the room. These systems move significantly more air than standard dental suction.
Positive pressure clean air delivery provides you with purified air throughout the procedure. This prevents inhalation of any mercury particles or vapor that might escape other safety measures. The system ensures you breathe only filtered, clean air during treatment.
Room air filtration continues operating during and after procedures to eliminate any residual mercury from the environment. This protects both patients and staff from ongoing exposure.
The Removal Process
Safe amalgam removal follows specific sequences that minimize mercury release. Sectioning fillings into large chunks reduces drilling time compared to grinding them out completely. Strategic removal patterns prevent unnecessary heat buildup that increases vapor production.
Continuous water irrigation keeps temperatures low while specialized tips and techniques minimize the creation of mercury-containing particles. The rubber dam isolation system prevents amalgam debris from traveling down your throat or contaminating other areas of your mouth.
Throughout the procedure, high-volume suction removes particles and vapor immediately, while your clean air supply ensures safe breathing. Most patients find the process comfortable and appreciate the obvious safety measures in place.
Post-Removal Recovery Support
After mercury removal, your body begins eliminating stored mercury naturally. Supporting this detoxification process helps you feel your best while optimizing long-term health outcomes. Nutritional protocols enhance your liver and kidney function during this important period.
Some patients experience temporary symptoms as their bodies process and eliminate accumulated mercury. These effects typically resolve quickly with proper support, leaving patients feeling more energetic and clear-minded than before removal.
Follow-up appointments monitor your healing and provide additional detoxification support as needed. Many patients report significant improvements in energy, mental clarity, and overall wellness following safe mercury removal.
Replacement Material Options
Once mercury fillings are safely removed, biocompatible replacement materials restore your teeth to full function and natural appearance. Composite resins, ceramics, and other mercury-free options provide excellent durability without ongoing toxicity concerns.
Material selection considers your individual biocompatibility test results, ensuring optimal integration with your body chemistry. This personalized approach prevents sensitivity reactions while providing restorations that last for many years.
Safe Mercury Removal in Irving
Ready to eliminate mercury from your mouth using the safest protocols available? Eco Dental and Wellness provides expert SMART protocol mercury removal that prioritizes your health and safety throughout every step of the process.
Contact our Irving office today to schedule your consultation and learn how safe mercury removal can benefit your health. Let’s create a treatment plan that eliminates mercury exposure while restoring your smile with biocompatible materials that support your overall wellness.