Removing Amalgam Fillings Using the SMART Technique: What You Need to Know
Introduction
When you want to remove your amalgam fillings, you may have heard of the SMART Technique. It’s a method that uses high-intensity pulsed light (HIPL) technology to eliminate mercury from your teeth. The amalgam filling removal london technique is safe and effective for removing mercury from your mouth. But how does it work? And what should you expect when undergoing this procedure?
Below, we cover everything you need to know about the SMART Technique and how it works.
Why Is Mercury Toxicity So Dangerous?
Mercury is a highly toxic substance. It affects the nervous system and brain, causing a variety of symptoms, including memory loss, confusion, depression, irregular or absent menstrual cycles, and chronic fatigue. In pregnant women and children, it can cause congenital disabilities.
The most common sources of mercury exposure are dental amalgams (also called silver fillings) and some types of medications. The risk of mercury poisoning increases if you have a lot of fillings or have had many fillings over time.
Many people don’t realize that they have mercury fillings in their mouth until they develop symptoms after getting treatment for another medical condition. They may not realize this is a sign of mercury poisoning because there’s no way to tell from looking at someone’s teeth whether or not they have them!
The Symptoms of Mercury Poisoning
When mercury vapors are released into the air, they can be inhaled. The vapors can also be absorbed through your skin if you don’t take proper precautions. Although you cannot see or taste mercury, it has a harmful effect on your health when it gets into your body.
Once inside your body, mercury can cause several health problems, including:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Headaches
- Convulsions (seizures)
- Memory loss
- Fatigue, weakness, or depression
- Hair loss
- Skin rashes, acne, and other skin conditions
- Sore throat and runny nose
What Is the SMART Technique?
The SMART mercury filling removal Technique is a mercury-removal treatment used by many dentists. It means the “Safe Mercury Amalgam Removal Technique” and is recommended by dentists when they notice mercury exposure in a patient’s mouth. Mercury is a metal that can be found in dental fillings, such as silver amalgam. When these fillings are removed, mercury vapors are released into the air around you. This is why it’s essential to take precautions when removing your old fillings and replacing them with new ones.
The process can take anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours, depending on how many fillings you have and how tightly they are secured in place.
It’s mostly chosen because the SMART technique offers a more comfortable way to remove dental fillings than other methods. The procedure also allows you to keep your natural teeth and avoid the need for crowns or implants.
How Does the SMART Amalgam Removal Procedure Work?
Mercury amalgam removal is a safe and effective way to remove your amalgam fillings. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia, so you can go home the same day and return to work the following day. During this time, your dentist will ensure that your teeth are healthy and free of any infection. A thorough cleaning will also be performed before the dentist starts the amalgam removal.
In most cases, amalgam filling removal is not recommended for people who have had dental work done at least six months prior to using this procedure. However, mercury amalgams can cause severe health problems in some people. If you want to prevent these problems from developing, you must consider having your fillings removed today!
When Should You Visit Your Dentist for a SMART Amalgam Removal Procedure?
Knowing exactly when you should visit your dentist to see if you need a SMART amalgam removal can be challenging if you need to know what you’re looking for. Discolored or damaged fillings are one of the most common ones. Even if they haven’t been damaged, you’ll generally want to get your fillings out after a couple of years to protect against mercury vapors in your mouth.
You should consider a SMART amalgam removal procedure if you have any of the following:
- More than two dental fillings, especially if they’re silver
- Fillings that are cracked or broken in any way
- Fillings that are loose or have moved from their original position over time
- Fillings that cause sensitivity or pain when biting down on certain foods
As we said above, you should also consider SMART removal for a dental filling that has been there for more than two years. If you’re not sure if you should get your fillings removed, consider these factors:
- The age of the filling
- Any symptoms that have developed since getting the filling(s)
- How much mercury is in each filling (silver amalgam has a high mercury content)
How Does Your Dentist Decide If You Need a SMART Amalgam Removal?
Like most dental procedures, dentists only decide you need a SMART amalgam removal if you’re showing signs of mercury poisoning, if it has been more than two years since your fillings were put in, or if the fillings have been damaged (which could leak mercury vapors into your mouth).
When none of these factors are present, dentists will make the decision based on several factors:
- Your age
- Gender
- History of disease (especially mercury poisoning)
- Normal dietary intake
- Genetic predispositions
- How long you’ve had your current fillings
- Quality of fillings and whether they’ve sustained damage
- Exposure to toxic metals like mercury or lead
The Takeaway
In the end, we must remember that there’s one big reason for the SMART technique’s popularity, and that’s the fact that it safeguards you from possibly life-threatening mercury poisoning. But if you’re still not convinced, there’s another reason to use it: the fact that it’s the most affordable and effective method of removing your fillings.
However, ensure that you’re picking the right orthodontic clinic because that’s the only way to get the best quality of care. You need to find a clinic with a good reputation and willing to give you all the information you need before agreeing to any treatment plans.
