If your old metal fillings have you wondering whether it is time for something safer and more natural-looking, you are far from alone. Metal amalgam fillings were the standard for decades, but many patients today are looking for a way to replace them that protects their health and their smile at the same time.
At Mesa Dental, Dr. Emily Browner is certified in the SMART protocol, a safer method of removing metal amalgam fillings developed to reduce mercury exposure during the process. She takes a whole health approach to dentistry, believing the best dentistry is often no dentistry at all, and that prevention and conservative care should always come first. For patients in Summerlin who are ready to remove their metal fillings safely, our preventive dentistry philosophy guides every step of the process.
SMART stands for Safe Mercury Amalgam Removal Technique, a protocol created by the International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology. Dental amalgam fillings contain elemental mercury bound with other metals, and the FDA has noted that amalgam is a restorative material made up of approximately 50 percent mercury, with vapor released especially during chewing and brushing. While the FDA considers dental amalgam safe for most people, some patients simply prefer to have it removed and replaced with a material that does not contain mercury at all.
Dr. Browner is one of a limited number of dentists in the Summerlin area with SMART certification, and patients often seek her out specifically for this service. The technique focuses on minimizing vapor exposure during removal, rather than the traditional approach many dental offices still use.
According to the IAOMT, all metal fillings contain approximately 0 % mercury.
At your consultation, your doctor examines your existing metal fillings and determines if they need to be replaced. If they are in good condition and do not pose a threat to your health, your doctor may recommend they stay in place. In most cases, though, it is beneficial to have them replaced with safer, biocompatible materials.
During your filling removal, your doctor wears protective covers, and you are protected with a drape as well. A high vacuum filtration system is present in the operatory to remove any mercury vapor produced from the removal of your silver fillings. These safety protocols set SMART removal apart from standard amalgam removal procedures.
To ensure you do not inhale any harmful vapors, you breathe oxygen through a face mask throughout the duration of the procedure. Your doctor also places a dental dam in your mouth to seal off the area being worked on, providing an additional layer of protection.
Once all precautionary measures are in place, your dentist begins removing the metal amalgam fillings with a precise drill, suction, and water. The careful technique minimizes mercury vapor release during the removal process.
After the metal filling has been removed, your doctor gives you a slurry of charcoal and water to rinse with. By rinsing with a slurry, the charcoal absorbs any potential residual amounts of metal that may have entered your mouth.
Finally, your tooth is filled with a durable composite filling where the metal filling once was. Composite fillings preserve the structure of your tooth while also enhancing its overall appearance, contributing to a healthier, more aesthetically pleasing smile.
Every SMART appointment at Mesa Dental follows a series of careful steps designed to protect the patient and the dental team throughout the removal.
Dr. Browner begins by examining your existing fillings to determine whether they are in good condition or ready for replacement. During removal, she wears protective coverings and drapes you appropriately, while a high-volume suction system captures mercury particulate from the air. You breathe oxygen through a mask for the duration of the appointment, and a dental dam isolates the tooth being treated so nothing reaches the rest of your mouth.
Once the metal filling is removed using a careful drilling technique, you rinse with an activated charcoal slurry to help bind any residual particles, and Dr. Browner places a durable, tooth-colored composite filling in place of the old amalgam. This process differs significantly from a standard filling replacement, and it reflects the same conservative, evidence-based mindset behind our fillings and restorative services.
Patients request SMART removal for a range of personal reasons, and Dr. Browner takes the time to listen to each of the following before recommending treatment:
Whatever the reason, we never pressure patients into removing fillings that are in good condition. If your existing amalgam does not need to be replaced, Dr. Browner will tell you so directly.
Mercury was used in metal fillings until 2009.
Dr. Browner mixes evidence-based dentistry with a broader view of how oral health connects to the rest of the body. She listens closely to patient concerns, whether they come from a traditional or more integrative background, and builds a treatment plan around what matters most to each person sitting in her chair. This same philosophy carries through the rest of our practice, from cosmetic dentistry to more involved restorative work like dental crowns, where natural-looking materials and long-term function are always the priority.
Mesa Dental operates on a fee-for-service model, which means Dr. Browner can recommend the SMART protocol and other treatments based purely on what is right for your health and your smile. We offer several financing options to help make treatment more manageable, since we know that removing amalgam fillings is a decision many patients want to make without financial barriers standing in the way.
If you have been thinking about replacing your metal fillings, Dr. Emily Browner and the team at Mesa Dental are ready to walk you through the process from your first consultation. She takes time with every patient to explain what SMART removal involves, answer questions about the materials used, and make sure the decision feels right before any treatment begins. Whether you are drawn to the aesthetics of composite fillings, want the added precautions of the SMART protocol, or simply feel it is time to address old amalgam work, Dr. Browner will build a plan around your specific goals rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.
When you are ready to take the next step, contact us to schedule a consultation. Our team will help you find an appointment time that works for your schedule and walk you through what to expect before, during, and after your visit, so you know exactly what your SMART filling removal will involve from the moment you sit down in the chair. Mesa Dental is here to make sure your care feels personal, unhurried, and centered entirely around your long-term comfort and health.
The length of the procedure varies based on each patient’s unique needs. The size and amount of metal fillings being removed affects the length of the procedure. However, it usually takes about the same amount of time as having a filling placed per tooth.
In most cases metal fillings need to be removed. This is usually due to the age of the filling. Now, most dentists use composite fillings so it is likely if you have a metal filling, it may be failing. This can lead to additional tooth decay, so it is important to have your fillings checked during regular dental visits to see if they are functioning properly. On top of any potential tooth decay, it is usually safer to have metal fillings removed proactively to lessen the risk of developing mercury poisoning and its side effects in the future.
As you brush, chew, and clench your teeth, your metal fillings could be releasing harmful mercury vapor.
We make quality dental care accessible with flexible payment options.
We work with most PPO insurance plans. Our office files claims on your behalf and provides benefit estimates before treatment begins.
We offer financing through CareCredit to help break down treatment costs into manageable monthly payments. Apply and get instant credit decision.
For patients without insurance, our in-house membership program starts at just $33/month and includes cleanings, exams, and 20% off all treatments.
Questions? Call us at (702) 640-0004 to discuss your coverage, financing, or membership options.
Mesa Dental offers comprehensive dentistry for patients throughout Las Vegas and Summerlin. From preventive care to advanced cosmetic procedures, our conservative and whole-health approach delivers exceptional results. Below are just some of the services we provide.
Schedule a consultation with our team to discuss your goals and discover how Mesa Dental can help you achieve a healthier, more confident smile.
