Many patients have allergies or sensitivity to metal, but mercury in particular is a substance that has been linked to health concerns for years. The most common type of filling is a metal filling, which actually contains mercury. For this reason, along with aesthetic advantages, many people want them removed, which can expose themselves and their dentist to harmful levels of mercury. Thankfully, you have a SMART dentist in North Austin who can remove mercury amalgam fillings with expertise and skill. Keep reading to learn what it means to be a SMART certified dentist and why it’s important.
WHAT DOES SMART STAND FOR?
SMART stands for Safe Mercury Amalgam Removal Technique. If your dentist is SMART certified, it means that they have completed the International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology’s educational program about the removal of mercury amalgam fillings. Essentially, if your dentist is SMART certified, they know various techniques that minimize and eliminate the risk of exposure to mercury when removing amalgam fillings.
WHY SHOULD YOU WORRY ABOUT MERCURY IN FILLINGS?
Like most substances, small traces of mercury are harmless. However, if you are exposed to higher amounts of mercury, you may be at risk for symptoms like anxiety, irritability, memory loss, headaches, fatigue, and other health-related issues.
When dentists remove amalgam fillings, they can expose themselves and you as a patient to something called mercury vapor, but your SMART certified dentist has the education and techniques to minimize these vapors for the safest procedure possible. They may even have special suction and equipment that safely disposes mercury amalgam, keeping it from affecting themselves and their patients. Dentists specifically have to worry about overexposure to mercury because they deal with it much more often than the average person.
WHAT CAN BE USED INSTEAD OF MERCURY AMALGAM?
To avoid the health risks of metal fillings, your holistic dentist in Austin uses tooth-colored fillings. These are not only more aesthetically-pleasing, but they are also made of composite resin. This special blend of plastics mimics the way your natural teeth look, and because it’s metal-free, it doesn’t have any of the health risks associated with amalgam.
Does it sound like you could benefit from seeing a SMART dentist for a safe removal of your metal fillings?
MEET THE DENTIST
Dr. Candace Bruno believes in the connection between oral and overall health, which is why she’s proud to call herself a holistic dentist. She is SMART certified to allow for the safest treatment possible while also giving you a restoration that is beautiful and strong. For any questions, she can be reached through her website or by phone at (512) 372-8484.