There are almost 1,000 general dentists in the state of Kansas. While Dr. Shane Nelson appreciates the comprehensive services offered by other general dentists, he is one of only four dentists in the state who are certified by the International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology (IAOMT) as a SMART dentist. What does that mean? “SMART” stands for: 

• Safe 
• Mercury 
• Amalgam 
• Removal 
• Technique 

As a SMART-certified office, Dentistry by Shane Nelson in Overland Park has demonstrated that we have the equipment, supplies, procedures, processes, and other precautions to safely and responsibly remove amalgam fillings. What are amalgam fillings? You may know them as “silver” fillings. But these dental restorations are formulated primarily with mercury. The IAOMT has listed more than 250 specific symptoms associated with this known toxin, myriad ill health effects ranging from headaches to insomnia and fatigue to muscle tremors. 

Dental patients are exposed to mercury through their fillings. Every time they use their filled teeth to chew or otherwise function, the mercury is released. It can accumulate in the body’s tissues and organs, where it causes damage and wreaks havoc on patients’ health, well-being, and quality of life. 

As truly holistic dental practitioners, we understand and appreciate the threats presented by the process of removing silver-colored fillings that contain mercury. So, we not only refrain from using mercury products or other toxic dental materials and products, but our entire team is also trained on those protocols and precautions to minimize mercury exposure when the fillings are taken out. Mercury vapors present a considerable potential health threat to the patient, dentist, and staff. Additionally, improper disposal of mercury waste presents an environmental threat to our waterways, land, and vegetation. 

In turn, we are proud to be both mercury-free and mercury-safe. It is not sufficient for us to merely avoid using mercury-containing materials. We must also be well-prepared to appropriately remove and dispose of this hazardous material, mercury-contaminated garments, and other supplies. We’ve highlighted a few of the SMART measures that Dentistry by Shane Nelson has demonstrated, which are part of the rigorous certification process through the IAOMT:

• Use of a dental dam to properly seal out mercury particles and a full head or facial barrier around the dam. 
• Full-body protective garments and coverings for patients and any dental team members involved in the process, to keep mercury from contaminating the skin or clothes. 
• Introduction of external oxygen via a nasal mask to prevent the mercury vapors or particulate matter from being inhaled. 
• Use of high-speed evacuation and aerosol vacuum techniques to capture mercury generated as particles or vapors and mitigate exposure. 
• Compliance with proper handling and disposal of mercury waste.

We are not satisfied with being exceptionally-trusted dental providers and leaders in our dental community. Dr. Nelson and the entire team are committed to being responsible community and environmental stewards, too. We encourage you to bring any questions about the SMART process to us. Dentistry by Shane Nelson welcomes your call. Contact us at (913) 297-7800. Or, for your convenience, you may book an appointment on this website. Just request a date and time that works for you. We look forward to meeting you soon!

Share this Article