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Mercury Safe Dentistry in Red Bank, NJ

About Our Mercury Safe Practice

Dr. Glenn MacFarlane is a holistic, Occupationally Mercury Safe, Mercury Free (amalgam/silver filling-free) dentist dedicated to practicing safe and healthy dentistry. His mission is to treat patients in the most healthy, caring, holistic way possible and to share information about holistic dental wellness so that patients may make educated decisions about their oral health. He also fully understands the important relationship of oral to overall health and recognizes that you cannot be truly healthy without good oral health.

(732) 530-4020 Request Appointment
Mercury safe dental practice in Red Bank NJ
SMART Certified Dentist, IAOMT Safe Mercury Amalgam Removal Technique

SMART Certified by the IAOMT (Safe Mercury Amalgam Removal Technique)

Mercury safe practice

Our office follows strict protocols to protect patients, staff, and the environment from mercury exposure during every procedure.

Certified protocols

We follow safe removal guidelines recommended by IAMSD, IAOMT, and other leading biological and holistic dental organizations.

Whole-body wellness

Dr. MacFarlane understands the connection between oral health and overall health, providing truly holistic mercury-free care.

Concerned about mercury in your dental work? Schedule a consultation with Dr. MacFarlane to discuss your options.

(732) 530-4020 Request Appointment

Safe Mercury Amalgam Removal Protocols

As your Oral Health Doctor, Dr. MacFarlane is aware that mercury vapor, dental infections, and TMJ (bite) problems can have a negative impact on oral and overall health. Because of this concern, our office focuses on patient education and uses the SMART protocol to remove mercury amalgam (silver) fillings in the safest way possible. We believe it is important to protect the patient, the environment, and our staff from excessive and unnecessary exposure to mercury during the amalgam removal process.

Making the dental office Occupationally Mercury Safe is supported by the American Dental Association (ADA) and other prominent dental organizations. To accomplish this, we utilize safe amalgam removal protocols based on recommendations of the International Association of Mercury Safe Dentists (IAMSD), the International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology (IAOMT), and other prominent biological and holistic dental organizations.

Our Protocols

  • High-volume evacuation and specialized suction to capture mercury vapor and particulate
  • Protective barriers including rubber dam isolation and external air supply for the patient
  • Room-level air purification and mercury vapor filtration systems
  • Sectioning fillings into chunks rather than grinding to minimize vapor release
  • Proper disposal of amalgam waste to protect the environment

Supporting Organizations

  • IAMSD: International Association of Mercury Safe Dentists, providing guidelines for safe mercury handling
  • IAOMT: International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology, developers of the SMART protocol
  • ADA: American Dental Association, supporting occupationally mercury safe practices
  • Other prominent biological and holistic dental organizations committed to patient and environmental safety
Mercury free dental fillings and safe removal

Why Our Practice Is Mercury Safe

Dental schools still teach dentists to use mercury amalgam (silver) fillings and the ADA continues to tell the public they are safe. But more and more questions have been raised about the safety of the mercury vapor released from amalgam fillings while they are in a patient's mouth. Over 60% of practicing dentists are no longer placing mercury amalgam/silver fillings in their patients' teeth. Additionally, three countries have banned the use of mercury fillings in dental practice: Norway, Sweden, and Denmark.

After extensive research, Dr. MacFarlane concluded it would be in the best interests of patients, staff, and the environment to no longer offer mercury amalgam/silver fillings as a dental filling material and to become a Mercury Free (amalgam filling free) dental practice.

Ready for a mercury-free approach to your dental care? Our team is here to help you make an informed decision.

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Becoming Mercury Safe and Mercury Free

Because it has been scientifically proven that high levels of poisonous mercury vapor are released when amalgam fillings are unsafely removed, Dr. MacFarlane has made the office as Occupationally Mercury Safe as possible. We use state-of-the-art technology, equipment, and safe removal protocols to protect patients, staff, and the environment from excessive and unnecessary occupational exposure to mercury.

While becoming a Mercury Safe and Mercury Amalgam Free dental practice was Dr. MacFarlane's decision, we believe that deciding whether or not to have your existing amalgam fillings removed and replaced must be your choice. Because we place great importance on patient education, we feel it is our responsibility to educate patients about the important relationship between oral and overall health and to provide the information required to make educated decisions.

If you have questions about mercury-safe dentistry, please contact our office at (732) 530-4020 to schedule a consultation. Our staff would happily answer any questions you may have about safe amalgam removal and mercury-free alternatives.

What to Expect at Your Visit

Visit Steps

  1. Comprehensive evaluation: Dr. MacFarlane examines your existing dental work, reviews your health history, and discusses any symptoms or concerns related to mercury exposure
  2. Personalized consultation: We explain the risks associated with mercury amalgam fillings and discuss your options, including safe removal and biocompatible replacement materials
  3. Treatment planning: If you choose to proceed, a customized plan is created that may include biocompatibility testing to select the safest materials for your body
  4. Safe removal: Using our SMART-based protocols, amalgam fillings are carefully removed with full protective measures in place
  5. Restoration: Biocompatible, mercury-free, BPA-free materials are placed to restore your teeth and protect your long-term health

Good to Know

  • Not all amalgam fillings need to be removed at once. We can develop a phased treatment plan based on your priorities and budget
  • Dr. MacFarlane will never pressure you to remove amalgam fillings; the decision is always yours
  • We offer biocompatibility testing to ensure replacement materials are safe for your individual body chemistry
  • Our office uses advanced air filtration and mercury vapor monitoring to maintain a safe environment
  • Sedation options are available for patient comfort during amalgam removal procedures

Have questions about mercury in your fillings? Contact The Center for Holistic Dental Medicine for honest, pressure-free guidance.

(732) 530-4020 Request Appointment

Frequently Asked Questions

A mercury safe dental practice follows strict protocols to minimize mercury exposure for patients, staff, and the environment. This includes using high-volume evacuation, protective barriers, air filtration, and proper waste disposal during any procedure involving amalgam fillings. Dr. MacFarlane's practice also does not place new mercury amalgam fillings, making us both mercury safe and mercury free.

Mercury vapor can be released from amalgam fillings during chewing, grinding, brushing, and exposure to hot beverages. While the ADA maintains that amalgam fillings are safe, many studies have raised concerns about chronic low-level mercury exposure. Over 60% of practicing dentists no longer place amalgam fillings, and three countries have banned their use entirely: Norway, Sweden, and Denmark.

Yes, when performed using proper protocols. Unsafe removal of amalgam fillings can actually increase your exposure to mercury vapor. That is why our practice follows safe amalgam removal protocols based on recommendations from the IAMSD and IAOMT. These protocols include high-volume suction, protective barriers, sectioning the filling into chunks, and room-level air purification.

Mercury is a potent neurotoxin. Chronic exposure to mercury vapor has been associated with a range of symptoms including fatigue, headaches, memory difficulties, mood changes, muscle weakness, and immune system dysfunction. The severity of effects varies depending on the level and duration of exposure, as well as individual sensitivity.

SMART stands for Safe Mercury Amalgam Removal Technique. Developed by the IAOMT, it is a set of safety measures designed to reduce mercury exposure during amalgam filling removal. Key elements include rubber dam isolation, high-volume evacuation, external air or oxygen supply for the patient, protective coverings, and mercury-rated room air filtration. Our practice incorporates SMART-based protocols into every amalgam removal procedure.

Many dental insurance plans cover amalgam filling replacement when there is a clinical reason for removal, such as a cracked, decayed, or failing filling. Coverage varies by plan, so we recommend contacting your insurance provider for details. Our team is happy to help you understand your benefits and discuss payment or financing options.

The time required depends on the number and size of fillings being removed. A single filling can typically be removed and replaced in one appointment lasting 60 to 90 minutes. If you have multiple amalgam fillings, we may recommend a phased approach over several visits to minimize mercury exposure at any one time and allow for comfortable recovery.

We use biocompatible, mercury-free, BPA-free materials including composite resin and ceramic restorations. Before placing any material, we can perform biocompatibility testing to confirm the chosen material is compatible with your individual body chemistry. Learn more about our approach to fillings and bonding.

Experience truly mercury-safe dentistry. Call The Center for Holistic Dental Medicine in Red Bank, NJ to schedule your consultation today.

(732) 530-4020 Request Appointment

Related Services

Safe Amalgam Removal Biocompatibility Testing Fillings & Bonding Holistic Dental Services Zirconia (Ceramic) Implants