Less than one percent of dentists in Dallas (11 out of 1150) are SMART-certified to remove your dental amalgam fillings using detailed protective measures and removal protocol recommendations provided by th International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology (IAOMT). Dr. Page is one of them.
What is SMART?
Safe Mercury Amalgam Removal Technique (SMART) is the the International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology’s recommendations to promote “mercury-free,” “mercury-safe,” and “biological/biocompatible” dentistry.
Why you haven’t heard of it?
Well, the truth is, you may have. Holistic Dentistry is often by many names – biological dentistry, alternative dentistry, biocompatible dentistry – just to name a few.
What is holistic dentistry?
According to the International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology, holistic or biological dentistry represents “a thought process and an attitude that can apply to all facets of dental practice and to health care in general: to always seek the safest, least toxic way to accomplish the goals of modern dentistry and of contemporary healthcare.”
A holistic dentist understands the intimate connection between oral health and overall health. For example: periodontal/gum disease has been linked to diabetes, high blood pressure, and cardiovascular disease. In addition, pregnant women with gum disease are more likely to develop pre-eclampsia, and deliver low-birth-weight babies.
Holistic dentists will also:
- Seek to avoid and eliminate toxins from dental materials.
- Encourage preventative dental practices and proper nutrition for prevention and reversal of degenerative dental disease (like periodontal/gum disease).
- Only use biocompatible dental materials and techniques.
Holistic Hot Button: Mercury Amalgam
What is a mercury amalgam you ask? It’s one type of dental filling material that is used to fill cavities caused by tooth decay.
Facts About Mercury Amalgam
- They’re made up of almost 50% mercury (extremely poisonous to humans).
- Vapors are emitted from amalgam fillings during chewing and brushing.
- Mercury toxicity has been linked to Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, and neurological disorders.
- It causes irreparable environmental damage and is classified as hazardous waste by the EPA.
- Many countries have already banned mercury amalgam.
If it’s so bad, why is mercury used in dental fillings?
Amalgams use approximately 50% mercury combined with a powdered alloy of silver, tin and copper. Mercury is used to bind the alloys together. It has unique properties in that it is a liquid form in room temperature and also bonds well to alloy materials.
What types of fillings are not made up of toxic materials?
Composite Resin, Cast Gold, Ceramics and Glass Ionomer are alternative restorative materials. Each type of filling has different pros and cons, so Dr. Page will work with you to determine just the right one.
Additional Resources:
- https://iaomt.org/for-patients/safe-amalgam-removal/
- https://thesmartchoice.com/
- https://www.fda.gov/medicaldevices/productsandmedicalprocedures/dentalproducts/dentalamalgam/default.htm
- https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/mercury-and-health
- https://mercuryfreedentistry.net/about/our-reports/