At Digiorno Dental Fitness, we understand that dental patients want treatments that prioritize both their smiles and their overall well-being. That’s why we’re passionate about safe amalgam removal, a specialized process to remove mercury amalgam fillings with the utmost care. Led by Dr. Juli Digiorno, our SMART certified team follows the highest standards to minimize mercury exposure and safeguard health. Here’s what we want everyone to know about amalgam removal, why it’s important, and how our dental clinic in Folsom ensures a safe, effective experience.
Understanding Dental Amalgam: What’s in Those Fillings?
Dental amalgam fillings, often called silver fillings or metal fillings, have been used for decades to restore teeth. These dental amalgam restorations contain about 50% mercury, combined with a silver copper tin alloy that includes silver, copper, and tin. While durable and cost-effective, mercury amalgam fillings raise concerns because mercury vapor and amalgam particles can be released during wear or removal, potentially posing risks to oral health and beyond.
Mercury is a toxic substance, and scientific research suggests that mercury vapor released during procedures like amalgam filling removal could be potentially harmful, especially for certain high-risk populations such as pregnant women or those with sensitivities. This makes safe mercury amalgam removal critical, and at Digiorno Dental Fitness, we use advanced techniques to ensure patient safety.
Why Safe Amalgam Removal Matters
The process of removing amalgam fillings involves drilling, which can release mercury vapors and mercury-containing particulate. Without proper precautions, this mercury vapour and amalgam particulate can be inhaled or absorbed, increasing mercury concentration in the patient’s mouth and environment. Mercury exposure from dental mercury amalgam may disrupt health, particularly for those sensitive to heavy metals or with pre-existing conditions, as mercury contaminated components pose risks if not managed correctly.
At our dental office, we take these concerns seriously. Dr. Juli Digiorno, a SMART certified dentist, follows the SMART protocol (the Safe Mercury Amalgam Removal Technique) developed by the International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology (IAOMT). SMART is regarded as the highest international standard for mercury amalgam removal technique. Our commitment to safe removal minimizes mercury discharges and protects dental patients from mercury contamination, ensuring peace of mind during the process.
How We Perform Safe Amalgam Removal
Our amalgam removal technique SMART involves a meticulous process to mitigate mercury exposure for both patients and our dental team. Here’s how we do it at Digiorno Dental Fitness:
- Protective Gear: We wear appropriate personal protection equipment, including gowns, face shields, and respiratory grade masks rated for safety, to prevent inhaling mercury particles.
- Dental Dam: A dental dam is placed in the patient’s mouth to isolate the tooth and capture amalgam particles generated, reducing mercury vapor spread.
- Nasal Mask: External air or oxygen is delivered via a nasal mask over the patient’s nose to ensure clean breathing during the removal process.
- High-Speed Suction: We use source oral aerosol vacuum systems and high-speed suction devices to capture mercury and reduce ambient mercury levels in the dental clinic.
- Air Filtration: Each room has adequate air filtration to remove mercury vapor, keeping the environment safe for everyone.
- Amalgam Separator: An amalgam separator is properly installed to collect mercury amalgam waste, preventing environmental mercury discharges.
These steps, part of the SMART protocol, reflect the IAOMT’s extensive safety recommendations for removing mercury vapor and particulate. By following these measures, we reduce mercury exposure and ensure the dental amalgam safe removal process is as secure as possible.
Who Should Consider Amalgam Removal?
Mercury amalgam fillings are often considered a cheaper alternative, but some patients choose safe mercury filling removal to minimize exposure to mercury levels that could be potentially harmful. While dental amalgam restorations are durable, removing amalgam fillings can benefit those concerned about mercury contamination or aesthetic issues from old silver fillings. However, pregnant women are advised to delay amalgam filling removal due to potential mercury vapor risks to umbilical cord blood and developing health.
Our dental professionals at Digiorno Dental Fitness assess each patient’s needs carefully. For those with mercury sensitivity or health concerns, we recommend amalgam filling removal using our SMART certified approach. After removal, restoration options range from composite fillings to dental crowns, tailored to preserve tooth structure and enhance smiles.
How to Know If Your Dentist Is SMART Certified
Choosing a smart certified dentist is crucial for safe amalgam removal. At Digiorno Dental Fitness, we’re proud of Dr. Juli Digiorno’s certification in the SMART protocol, but we encourage patients to verify credentials elsewhere too. Here’s how to confirm a dentist’s qualifications:
- Check Certifications: Look for IAOMT accreditation or SMART training on the dentist’s website or ask the dental office directly.
- Ask About Protocols: Inquire if they use dental dams, amalgam separators, and personal protection equipment to capture mercury safely.
- Review Safety Measures: Ensure the dental clinic has air filtration and high-speed suction to reduce ambient mercury levels.
A smart certified professional, like Dr. Digiorno, implements these developed extensive safety recommendations to protect dental personnel and patients from mercury vapour. Our transparency about these standards builds trust with our dental patients.
Why Choose Digiorno Dental Fitness for Safe Amalgam Removal?
At our dental office in Folsom, we prioritize patient health above all. Here’s what sets us apart:
- SMART Certification: Dr. Juli Digiorno’s training ensures safe mercury amalgam removal with precision.
- Advanced Equipment: Tools like amalgam separators and source oral aerosol vacuums keep mercury levels low.
- Holistic Approach: Our blend of traditional and biologic dentistry minimizes toxic substances while enhancing outcomes.
- Patient Care: We listen to concerns about mercury amalgams, offering solutions like composite fillings for properly sealed restorations.
The final cost of mercury filling removal depends on the size, location, and condition of the amalgam filling, but we offer dental amalgam additional resources and financing options to make care accessible.
Take the Next Step Toward a Healthier Smile
We believe every patient deserves a dental team that treats their health as a priority. Safe amalgam removal at Digiorno Dental Fitness ensures mercury amalgam fillings are handled with care, protecting against mercury exposure and its risks. If you are considering changing out your silver fillings, contact us at (916) 817-6453 to schedule an appointment today.