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Remove Mercury Fillings
SMART Protocol in Holly Springs
If you have one or more mercury amalgam fillings that you would like to have removed, Dr. Duncan offers SMART Protocol at Spring Smiles. This strict protocol ensures the safe removal of mercury amalgam fillings. During treatment, Dr. Duncan will replace your old fillings with non-toxic, tooth-colored composite fillings. Schedule an appointment today to learn more about SMART and how it can help ensure your safety during your filling removal.
Removing Mercury
Should I Have My Amalgam Fillings Removed?
Amalgam fillings have been used safely to restore decayed teeth for decades, and they are still a reasonably good option for treating cavities. However, as they get older, metal amalgam fillings may loosen or become damaged, and require replacement. Some patients may also wish to have their metal fillings removed due to tooth sensitivity, or simply because they do not like the gray color.
We practice conservative dentistry at Spring Smiles, so as a rule, we do not recommend that you have your amalgam fillings removed if they are still in good condition. If Dr. Duncan thinks your filling is in good shape, he will recommend that you keep it. However, if you’re having issues like sensitivity or self-consciousness about your smile, he can remove it and replace it with a tooth-colored composite filling.
What Is the SMART Protocol?
Safe Removal of Mercury Amalgam Fillings
SMART protocol stands for “Safe Mercury Amalgam Removal Technique.” As the name implies, this set of protocols involves taking strict steps to minimize the dangers of mercury. These steps include filtering the air in operating rooms where mercury fillings are removed, isolating your tooth with a dental dam, and providing you with a full-body, impermeable barrier to prevent mercury from contacting any part of your skin or face.
The Benefits
Why We Use SMART Protocol
Metal fillings have a tendency to shrink and loosen over time due to the highly conductive nature of the metals used to create them. Some patients experience sensitivity to heat and cold due to the conductivity of metal fillings. Removing your metal filling and replacing it with a composite resin filling ensures that your filling will remain strong and healthy, and helps prevent these issues.
Another big benefit of removing your metal fillings is cosmetic. Metal fillings are silvery-gray and tend to discolor your teeth, as they do not look like a natural part of your mouth. If you have multiple metal fillings, they may make you feel self-conscious about your smile. Removing metal amalgam and replacing it with tooth-colored resin will give you a confident, healthy smile.
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