Our dentist, Dr. Shane Nelson, is one of a handful of dentists in Kansas certified by the International Academy of Oral Medicine & Toxicology (IAOMT) in the Safe Mercury Amalgam Removal Technique (SMART). This certification is important; it demonstrates our commitment to safe, healthy, biocompatible dental materials as a truly biological dental practice.
The dangers of amalgam fillings
The IAOMT was founded in the early 1980s. From his Overland Park office, Dr. Nelson is among a group of dentists, health professionals, and researchers worldwide who are doing their part to protect the health of patients, staff, respective communities, and the planet by taking steps to minimize the use (and safe removal) of metal amalgam fillings. These fillings have been used for well over a century. While they are silver in color, mercury actually accounts for around half of each amalgam filling on average.
Mercury is a recognized toxin. Harmful mercury vapor is continually being emitted by the amalgam in these fillings, where it is then absorbed and accumulates in the body’s organs. Certain behaviors and situations increase the amount of vapor emitted, absorbed, and retained in patients’ tissues; for instance, when the amalgam is exposed to heat from hot beverages, during activities like chewing food, or during habits such as teeth grinding (bruxism). Mercury is also released at higher rates during the removal of amalgam fillings. The IAOMT has isolated more than 250 specific adverse health effects or symptoms associated with inhaling mercury vapors. These effects reportedly include:
- Impaired mental function.
- Chronic headaches.
- Sleeplessness.
- Impaired immunity.
- Skin problems.
- Mood swings.
- Tremors.
- Kidney dysfunction.
Book an Appointment
Dentistry by Shane Nelson DDS, is a proud mercury-free and mercury-safe provider. These terms mean two different things; you can be a “mercury-free” dentist without being “mercury-safe.” The former term refers to professionals who do not offer or place dental materials containing mercury, such as amalgam. The latter term refers to those practices that have invested in special training and technologies to support the safe removal of mercury amalgam fillings. Our practice abides by the extensive recommendations set forth by the IAOMT. We have demonstrated our compliance with these recommendations, the SMART protocol. As a certified practice, measures to minimize exposure to mercury through the filling removal process include:
- Use of protective barriers and garments to prevent swallowing and inhaling amalgam particles and vapors.
- Protocols to contain the heat that is generated during the filling removal process; for instance, removing the amalgam in larger sections rather than drilling out in smaller chunks.
- Capturing any mercury discharges with specialized evacuation, separation, and filtration devices.
- Applying external oxygen to aid in preventing the inhalation of particulate matter and vapor.
- Safe and eco-friendly handling, cleaning, and disposal of contaminated supplies and garments.
There are more than 1,000 “general dentists” in Kansas. Yet, you can practically count the number of SMART-certified dentists on one hand. We are proud to be in this rare group and to do our part to protect our patients, staff, community, and planet. Call (913) 297-7800 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Nelson at our Overland Park office today.
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