Safe Mercury Amalgam Removal Technique (SMART) in Long Beach

For over 20 years The Dental Wellness Center has been “mercury-free,” which means that we do not use any mercury amalgam fillings. Importantly, we’re also “mercury-safe,” which means that our office is specially-equipped with technology that allows our team to safely remove and replace mercury restorations.

We follow a Safe Mercury Amalgam Removal Technique, or SMART protocol developed by members of the International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxiciology (IAOMT) in removing these fillings. The protocol consists of earning a Certificate by demonstrating that a dental office has to employ all the following precautions, along with passing a rigid examination. The protocol consists of several precautionary measures.

Traditionally, mercury amalgam fillings have been used to restore teeth that were damaged due to injury or infection. Although sometimes referred to as “silver amalgam,” dental amalgam fillings are actually composed from about 55% mercury, 44% silver and 1% of trace metals like zinc, copper and tin.

One downside of amalgam fillings is immediately visible post-treatment; amalgam fillings, being made of a mixture of metals, tended to make the affected tooth appear dark and dull.