Yes! The Safe Mercury Amalgam Removal Technique (SMART) is the protocol from the International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology (IAOMT) for safely removing metal amalgam fillings while protecting the patient, dentist, and team members from mercury exposure.
Dr. Bowden has been a member of the IOAMT since 2007 and is a SMART-certified dentist in Lake Oswego, OR, meaning that he follows these safety protocols when removing metal amalgam fillings:
- Provides protective wear for our patients, dentist, and team members
- Uses a proper dental barrier
- Follows protocols for environmentally safe disposal of amalgam
- Provides oxygen for the patient
- Uses high-speed suction and extra-oral or vacuum to remove amalgam material
- Provides protective air filtration and circulation
Healthy Alternatives After Amalgam Removal
Once your metal fillings are removed, depending on your needs, Dr. Bowden may suggest restoring your tooth with metal-free composite fillings, inlays, onlays, or dental crowns.
Tooth-colored composite fillings are recommended for repairing small areas of tooth decay, while an inlay or onlay can restore more extensive areas of tooth decay that aren't quite ready for a crown.
A ceramic porcelain dental crown covers the tooth entirely and is ideal for teeth sustaining larger areas of damage.
If you have metal amalgam fillings, we would love to talk with you about your options for SMART-safe mercury removal in Lake Oswego. Contact Aesthetic Dentistry of Lake Oswego at (503) 675-7300.