Metal amalgam is a material that was commonly used in dentistry for many decades, and some dental practices still use it today. However, health-minded patients have increasingly become concerned about the potential toxicity of amalgam due to its mercury content, and many are interested in having the material replaced with a more biocompatible option such as tooth-colored composite resin. As an advanced biologic restorative dentist in Austin, TX, Dr. Christopher Naranjo has undergone extensive training and continuing education in the proper techniques for safe amalgam removal. He is also qualified to help patients undergo heavy metal detoxification after treatment in a gentle yet effective manner.

Our safe amalgam removal protocol

The removal of mercury amalgam must be performed with a strict protocol in place because the removal process itself can expose both the patient and the dental team to toxic mercury vapors and particles if it is not done with great care and precision. At Greenbelt Dental Health, we follow the research-based Safe Mercury Amalgam Removal Technique (SMART) protocol from the IAOMT, the international leader in mercury-safe, biological dentistry. This protocol is designed to protect patients and dental teams from mercury exposure at all stages of the metal amalgam removal process and includes measures such as:

Personal protective equipment: Protective gowns are worn by the patient, dentist, and staff; face and head coverings are worn by both the patient and dental personnel; respiratory-grade masks rated for mercury capture are worn by the dental personnel and external oxygen is delivered to patients through a nasal mask; and the dental team wears gloves throughout the treatment process

Specialized equipment during treatment: In addition to creating a dental dam in the patient’s mouth to seal off the area, we use a saliva ejector, copious amounts of water, an aerosol vacuum, and high speed ejection to minimize potential mercury exposure within your mouth during the removal process

Dental office protections: High-volume air filtration and a special amalgam separator to safely collect and dispose of mercury amalgam waste are used to reduce mercury contamination in the air and environment

Pre- and post-treatment rinse: After your treatment, we provide activated charcoal which binds to any possible minute remaining mercury to help prevent its absorption into the body

Mercury-safe dentistry

Metal amalgam removal is just one component of our mercury-safe dental practice. As a mercury-free dentist, Dr. Naranjo refuses to use mercury-containing amalgam and follows only the strictest protocol for its safe removal. In addition, Dr. Naranjo  focuses on using biocompatible materials that do not have the potential for toxicity in all preventive, restorative, and cosmetic treatments he provides. This includes options such as porcelain crowns and veneers, composite resin fillings, and zirconia bridges and implants—all of which offer the benefit of looking completely natural in your smile in addition to being durable and long-lasting.

Learn more with a consultation

If you are located in the Austin, TX area and have been searching for a dentist who can provide “safe amalgam removal near me,” we encourage you to contact Greenbelt Dental Health, the dental practice of Dr. Christopher Naranjo,  to schedule a consultation and learn more. With nearly 30 years of experience in providing mercury-safe dentistry to Central Texans, we are committed to helping you achieve and maintain optimal health and look forward to helping you achieve your wellness goals.