SMART Amalgam Removal in Newtown, PA
Mercury is a known neurotoxin. We remove silver fillings the safe way.
Why Mercury Belongs Out of Your Mouth — and How We Take It Out Safely
What's Actually in a Silver Filling
Silver fillings are a mixture of powdered metals — silver, tin, and copper. 50% of the content is elemental mercury acting as a binder to form an Amalgam. Another name for the silvery-looking filling is a Mercury Amalgam filling. Mercury is a known neurotoxin. Over the past decades it has been widely researched and removed from other medicinal devices, like thermometers. Our government placed regulations on how to keep mercury out of wastewater. Many countries in Europe don't allow Amalgam anymore. California and several states in the United States have moved away from it as well.
Why We Stopped Placing Amalgam
We have not placed those silver-colored Amalgam fillings because there were and are alternatives. Bonded, tooth-colored materials let us save healthy tooth structure and strengthen a tooth overall, all while offering greater aesthetics. It just made sense — no more plugging a silver-colored mercury Amalgam into an undercut prep. No more concern for whether a mercury Amalgam would cause a tooth to break over time with its thermal change properties that may stress and weaken.
Dr. Bob's Personal Reason
Dr. Bob hasn't placed an Amalgam filling since his own kids were growing up. The thought process was simple: what would I put in my own children's mouths? The answer was NO to Amalgam. And here's the part patients find compelling — what's left over after a mercury Amalgam filling is considered medical biological waste. You can't just throw it in the trash. So why is it acceptable to leave it in your mouth?
How SMART Amalgam Removal Protects You
The Safe Mercury Amalgam Removal Technique (SMART) is a protocol and technique we use to protect the patient as well as the team while removing mercury Amalgam fillings still found in many mouths. It involves the use of technologies for air and water safety, as well as protective protocols for the patient and team. An Amalgam separator collects mercury Amalgam waste. Adequate and high-volume aerosol filtration along with external oxygen delivery, pre-procedural rinsing, protective gowns, barriers, and isolation to limit the field — all part of the abundant caution measures taken before, during, and after.
What is SMART Amalgam Removal?
SMART stands for Safe Mercury Amalgam Removal Technique. It is a defined protocol for removing existing silver mercury fillings while protecting the patient, the dental team, and the environment from mercury vapor and particle exposure. The protocol is recognized by the International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology (IAOMT).
How much does SMART removal cost in Newtown, PA?
Cost depends on how many fillings are being replaced, what they are being replaced with (composite, ceramic, or another material), and whether any underlying decay needs to be addressed. We are transparent with fees before treatment, and we work with most PPO plans. Financing through Alphaeon and CareCredit is available.
Is SMART removal painful?
The procedure itself feels like having any other filling replaced — local anesthesia keeps it comfortable. The SMART protocol adds layers of protective equipment (rubber dam, oxygen, air filtration) that may feel different from a typical filling appointment, but none of it adds discomfort. We talk you through each step.
How long does the appointment take?
Plan on 60-90 minutes per filling, depending on size and location. We don't rush these appointments. The protective protocol takes time to set up properly, and proper removal protects your long-term health far more than speed.
SMART Amalgam Removal in Newtown, PA
➔ Safe Mercury Amalgam Removal Technique (SMART) protocol
➔ External oxygen, isolation, and high-volume aerosol filtration
➔ Mercury-free for 30+ years (since 1995)
➔ Replaced with bonded, tooth-colored materials
Frequently Asked Questions
What do you replace mercury fillings with?
Bonded, tooth-colored, biocompatible composite materials. They strengthen the tooth, save more natural structure, and look like a tooth — not a metal patch. For larger restorations, we may recommend a CEREC same-day porcelain onlay or crown for greater durability.Should I have all my amalgam fillings removed?
Not necessarily. The decision is yours, and it depends on the condition of each filling, your overall health goals, and any sensitivities you may have. Dr. Bob will walk you through the considerations and never pressure you. Many patients choose to replace fillings as they age out naturally.Why don't more dentists offer SMART?
SMART certification requires specific training and equipment investment. Most dental practices place and remove amalgam without these protections in place. For Dr. Bob, the protocol aligns with how he has practiced for 30+ years — protecting both the patient and the team in front of him.Has the science actually changed on amalgam?
The conversation around mercury continues to evolve. California and several US states, plus many countries in Europe, have moved away from amalgam. We don't make medical claims. We offer the safest possible removal option and let our patients decide what's right for them.
The Mouth-Body Connection —
Lantzy DMD Blog
Dementia prevention. Sleep apnea. Why your child's behavior might be a breathing problem. Dr. Bob writes about the things most dentists don't, because he believes patients deserve to understand what's really going on.
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