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Safe Amalgam Removal in Red Bank, NJ

Eliminate Mercury Toxicity with Safe Amalgam Removal

Taking care of your smile is more than just brushing and flossing. Dr. Glenn A. MacFarlane and his team at The Center for Holistic Dental Medicine believe in providing biocompatible and safe services for every patient. If you have old silver amalgam fillings, you should know that they are formulated with up to 50% mercury, a substance toxic to the human body. Our team provides mercury-free, BPA-free fillings and safe, SMART amalgam removal and replacement.

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Safe amalgam filling removal at holistic dental practice
SMART Certified Dentist, IAOMT Safe Mercury Amalgam Removal Technique

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

SMART certified

We follow the Safe Mercury Amalgam Removal Technique (SMART) protocol developed by the IAOMT to protect you during every removal.

Complete replacement

Old amalgam fillings are safely removed and replaced with biocompatible, mercury-free, BPA-free materials like composite resin.

Total protection

Our protocols safeguard the patient, dental team, and environment from mercury vapor exposure throughout the procedure.

Ready to have your amalgam fillings safely removed? Schedule a consultation with Dr. MacFarlane today.

(732) 530-4020 Request Appointment

Are Silver Amalgam Fillings Toxic?

Studies continue to show that heating silver amalgam fillings can release mercury vapor and toxins into the body, contributing to mercury toxicity. This heating can occur simply through chewing, hot beverages, and foods. That mercury exposure can result in various health problems that cannot be resolved until the mercury source is addressed. Because of the toxicity of these materials, our team will safely remove them and replace them with biocompatible alternatives.

At The Center for Holistic Dental Medicine, we use composite resin to restore decayed teeth. Composite resin is not only safe but also more aesthetic, blending in naturally with your smile. It also does not expand and contract with temperature changes, reducing the risk of bacteria entering the tooth.

Health Concerns

  • Amalgam fillings contain up to 50% elemental mercury, a known neurotoxin
  • Chewing, grinding, brushing, and hot beverages can release mercury vapor from fillings
  • Chronic low-level mercury exposure has been linked to fatigue, headaches, neurological symptoms, and immune dysfunction
  • Mercury vapor is absorbed through the lungs and can accumulate in organs over time
  • Amalgam fillings expand and contract with temperature, potentially cracking teeth

What Research Shows

  • Over 60% of practicing dentists no longer place mercury amalgam fillings
  • Three countries have banned mercury fillings in dental practice: Norway, Sweden, and Denmark
  • The World Health Organization has acknowledged mercury as a substance of major public health concern
  • The IAOMT and other organizations have published extensive research on mercury vapor release from dental amalgam
  • Biocompatible alternatives such as composite resin offer safe, durable, and aesthetically superior results
SMART protocol for safe mercury filling removal

SMART Amalgam Removal Protocol

Patients who seek to have their old silver amalgam fillings removed and replaced with composite resin are encouraged to learn more about our safe, SMART (Safe Mercury Amalgam Removal Technique) removal process. The SMART protocol reduces your risk of mercury exposure during the removal and replacement procedure, protecting you, our team, and the environment.

Our SMART protocol includes specialized equipment, high-volume evacuation, protective barriers, and careful handling procedures to ensure the safest possible removal of mercury-containing fillings.

Key elements of our SMART protocol include:

  • Rubber dam isolation to prevent mercury particles from entering the mouth
  • High-volume evacuation positioned close to the tooth to capture vapor and debris
  • External air or oxygen supply so you do not breathe mercury vapor
  • Protective gowns and coverings for the patient and dental team
  • Sectioning the filling into chunks rather than grinding to reduce vapor release
  • Mercury-rated air filtration to purify the operatory during the procedure

Concerned about mercury in your silver fillings? Our SMART protocol ensures the safest possible removal.

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What We Replace Amalgam With

Once your amalgam fillings have been safely removed, Dr. MacFarlane restores your teeth with biocompatible, mercury-free, BPA-free materials. Our preferred replacement is tooth-colored composite resin, which bonds directly to the tooth structure for a strong, natural-looking result. Unlike amalgam, composite resin does not expand and contract with temperature changes, which means less risk of tooth fracture over time.

For larger restorations, we may recommend ceramic inlays, onlays, or crowns depending on the extent of the restoration needed. Before placing any material, Dr. MacFarlane can arrange biocompatibility testing to confirm the chosen material is compatible with your body chemistry. Learn more about our approach to fillings and bonding.

What to Expect at Your Visit

Visit Steps

  1. Consultation and evaluation: Dr. MacFarlane examines your existing amalgam fillings, reviews your health history, and discusses any symptoms you may be experiencing
  2. Treatment planning: We create a personalized removal plan, including the number of appointments needed and any biocompatibility testing for replacement materials
  3. Preparation: Protective barriers, rubber dam isolation, external air supply, and mercury-rated air filtration are set up before the procedure begins
  4. Safe removal: Amalgam fillings are carefully sectioned and removed using the SMART protocol with high-volume evacuation capturing mercury vapor and debris
  5. Restoration: Biocompatible composite resin or ceramic materials are placed to restore the tooth to full function and appearance
  6. Follow-up: We monitor your healing and ensure the new restorations are comfortable and functioning properly

Good to Know

  • We typically remove amalgam fillings in one quadrant (section) of the mouth per visit to minimize exposure
  • Most single-filling removals take 60 to 90 minutes
  • You may eat and drink normally after the procedure once any numbness wears off
  • Sedation options are available if you experience dental anxiety
  • Some patients with many amalgam fillings benefit from a phased approach over several weeks
  • Dr. MacFarlane may recommend nutritional support to help your body process any residual mercury

Take the first step toward a mercury-free smile. Contact us today to schedule your safe amalgam removal consultation.

(732) 530-4020 Request Appointment

Frequently Asked Questions

SMART stands for Safe Mercury Amalgam Removal Technique. It is a set of rigorous safety measures developed by the International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology (IAOMT) to minimize mercury exposure during amalgam filling removal. The protocol includes rubber dam isolation, high-volume evacuation, external air supply for the patient, protective coverings, sectioning the filling rather than grinding, and mercury-rated air filtration in the operatory.

Yes, when performed using proper protocols like SMART, amalgam removal is safe. Without these precautions, removing amalgam fillings can actually release more mercury vapor than leaving them in place. That is why it is critical to choose a dentist trained in safe removal techniques. Dr. MacFarlane follows strict SMART-based protocols to protect you, our team, and the environment during every removal.

A single amalgam filling can typically be removed and replaced in one appointment lasting 60 to 90 minutes. If you have multiple fillings, Dr. MacFarlane usually recommends removing one quadrant at a time over several appointments. This phased approach limits mercury exposure at any single visit and allows for comfortable recovery between sessions.

Symptoms of chronic mercury exposure can vary widely and may include persistent fatigue, headaches, brain fog, memory difficulties, mood changes, muscle weakness or tremors, joint pain, and immune system issues. Many patients do not realize their symptoms may be related to mercury from dental amalgam until the fillings are safely removed and they begin to feel better.

Many dental insurance plans cover filling replacement when there is a clinical indication such as a cracked, decayed, or failing filling. Coverage for elective amalgam removal varies by plan. Our team will help you understand your benefits and can provide documentation for insurance claims. We also offer financing options to make treatment accessible.

Modern composite resin materials are highly durable and perform very well as long-term restorations. While amalgam has been used for over a century, composite offers several advantages: it bonds directly to the tooth, preserving more natural tooth structure; it does not expand and contract with temperature; and it provides a natural, tooth-colored appearance. For larger restorations, ceramic inlays or onlays may be recommended for added strength.

The number of appointments depends on how many amalgam fillings you have and their size. A single filling can be removed and replaced in one visit. Patients with multiple amalgam fillings typically need several appointments spaced over weeks, as Dr. MacFarlane recommends removing one quadrant at a time. During your consultation, we will outline a complete treatment plan with an estimated timeline.

Dr. MacFarlane may recommend certain nutritional supplements or dietary considerations before and after amalgam removal to support your body's natural detoxification processes. During your consultation, we will discuss any preparatory steps specific to your situation. On the day of your appointment, simply arrive well-rested and hydrated.

Your health deserves mercury-free dental care. Call The Center for Holistic Dental Medicine in Red Bank, NJ to begin your safe amalgam removal journey.

(732) 530-4020 Request Appointment

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