SMART
Safe mercury amalgam removal technique
We are proud to offer this technique as the only office in Costa Rica with certified
SMART doctors by the IAOMT (International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology)
All Dental amalgam restorations, commonly known as silver fillings, contain approximately 50% mercury. Mercury vapour is known to be released from dental mercury amalgam fillings at higher rates during brushing, cleaning, chewing and teeth clenching. Mercury is stored in the liver, kidneys, brain, central nervous system, large intestine and thyroid gland. The half life period of mercury in the brain is 16-30 years.
All unsafe amalgam removal process releases mercury vapour and particles that are harmful to the patient, the dentist, the staff and the environment.
The extreme danger of mercury requires special protection measures.
Utilizing the most up to date science and research, the IAOMT has developed this extensive safety
recommendations:
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An amalgam separator should be properly installed to collect mercury amalgam waste.
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Each room where mercury fillings are removed should have adequate filtration in place, such as an oral aerosol vacuum, capable of removing mercury vapor and amalgam particles.
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The patient should be given a slurry of charcoal, Chlorella or similar absorbent to rinse and swallow before the procedure.
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Protective gowns and covers for the dentist, dental personnel and the patient should be in place.
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Non latex nitrile gloves should be utilized by all involved.
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Face shields and head coverings should be utilized.
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A properly sealed , respiratory grade mask or a positive pressure, properly sealed mask providing air or oxygen should be worn by dentist and personnel.
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The patients skin and clothing should be covered by a full body impermeable barrier.
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External air or oxygen delivered via a nasal mask for the patient should also be utilized to assure patient does not inhale mercury vapor or amalgam particles.
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A dental dam of non latex nitrile material should be placed and properly sealed.
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A saliva ejector should be placed under Dental dam, an at source of oral aerosol vacuum should be utilized in close proximity to the patients mouth.-During the amalgam filling removal
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High speed evacuation with a clean up device.
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Copious amounts of water to reduce heat.
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The amalgam should be sectioned into chunks to be removed in as large pieces as possible.
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Once removal is completed, the patients mouth should be thoroughly flushed with water and then rinsed out with a slurry of charcoal, chlorella or similar absorbent.
