3 steps to the safe removal of mercury amalgam fillings – from pre- to
post-treatment
Posted By
Dr. Jeanne Anne Krizman
No authentic biological dentistry
practice would be complete without establishing protocols for safely removing amalgam ("silver")
fillings containing mercury. At Tucson Biological Dentistry, Jeanne Anne Krizman, DMD, MPH, and
Patrice Quadrel, DDS, have invested in the technologies and training to offer the Safe Mercury Amalgam
Removal Technique. SMART was established by the International Academy of Oral Medicine &
Toxicology,
of which both Drs Krizman and
Quadrel are accredited. They are among the few accredited professionals
in Arizona, let alone in the Tucson area. SMART is an important part of the IAOMT's efforts to support
safe, quality dentistry, and it is our pleasure to walk you through three ways that this process
differs from conventional techniques that do not account for the very real health threats presented by
mercury exposure during the amalgam fillings removal procedure.
Pre-treatment
Vitamin C is a detoxification powerhouse. So, before your procedure, we will begin a vitamin C protocol
to aid in removing toxins from your cells and tissues. You may also choose to have mercury/heavy metal
blood testing before your appointment. Additionally, before treatment, we will apply an activated
charcoal oral rinse. This special rinse binds to mercury, which helps to inhibit this toxin's absorption
into the tissues of the mouth and the GI tract. To prevent any particles from making contact with your
skin, you will wear protective garments and coverings. These include the use of a soft, Ora-Shield®
Dental Dam Napkin. Furthermore, isolating the tooth with a rubber dam or sheet helps to minimize the
risk of small mercury debris coming in contact with other parts of your mouth.
Treatment
The SMART process incorporates ozone therapy. We use ozone in the form of ozonated water throughout the
removal process. This natural healer helps limit the amount of mercury particles or dust released into
our environment. We have also invested in special equipment to support your safety, health, comfort, and
peace of mind. These technologies include the Dental Hg FlexVac by IQAir, which is a leader in air
quality solutions. This machine uses suction to rapidly remove very fine mercury debris away from the
mouth, a step that prevents you, the patient, from inhaling and absorbing these toxins. This device also
features high-powered filtration to reduce bacteria, viruses, and other contaminants in the treatment
space. Since mercury particles are not the only threat during this treatment, we have invested in the
Tact-Air 10-8 mercury vapor ionizer. This device captures mercury vapors in the air to provide maximum
cleansing power and filtration, which supports optimal protection of both patients and staff.
Mercury threatens the three “P's” – our professionals, patients, and the planet. To support safe,
environmentally-friendly, and sustainable disposal of toxic contaminants, we use technologies such as
the MARS LibertyBOSS® Amalgam Separator. This top-performing sedimentation and filtration system
prevents fragments of old, toxic filling material from entering our community's waterways. We also
provide trusted guidance on detoxification at every step. Here again, testing is available to monitor
and check for mercury/heavy metals following treatment. Your progress toward a healthier mouth and a
healthier "you" is our No. 1 priority.
Tucson Biological Dentistry goes the extra mile to ensure the safety, health, and well-being of our
patients and communities. To schedule
a visit to our practice in Tucson, AZ, call us at
(520) 326-0082.
Lynn R.
Rating:
5
Top notch staff and services. I'm so happy to have found Dr Krizman and her team of highly skilled professionals who are genuinely interested in helping people with their dental and overall health. They treat the whole person and use the latest technology and techniques to do this. I feel well cared for in each visit.