What is the SMART AMalgam Removal Technique?
Why SMART Amalgam Removal is Necessary
A silver filling is called dental amalgam. Dental amalgam is a mixture of metals, consisting of liquid (elemental) mercury and a powdered alloy composed of silver, tin, and copper. Approximately half (50%) of dental amalgam is elemental mercury by weight. The chemical properties of elemental mercury allow it to react with and bind together the metal particles to form an amalgam.
Mercury is toxic and is recognized as a chemical of major concern because it poses a dangerous threat to public health. Mercury accumulates in the body, and any amount of mercury taken into the body should be considered hazardous. It is imperative to the patient and the dentist that the fillings is removed safely.
Mercury is absorbed into the body three way:
- Absorption of mercury vapor through the lungs
- Absorption of mercury in the gut/skin
- Absorption of mercury that was affected by the gut bacteria
When the amalgam filling is removed, it will be important to prevent absorption the three ways it is absorbed. This is done using the SMART amalgam removal technique.
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