In recent years, we’ve seen a rapid rise in Google searches for the terms “Biological Dentistry” and “SMART Protocol.” This is no coincidence; we now know that oral health is not an isolated island separate from overall body health. Especially when it comes to replacing amalgam fillings, formerly known as “silver” fillings, this process carries a much deeper meaning than a simple filling removal.
So, why do we take such a meticulous approach at Dr. Aslı Kumru’s clinic? Here are the facts behind the SMART protocol and the biological approach.
Why is amalgam controversial?
Amalgam fillings contain approximately 50% mercury. Mercury is a heavy metal that evaporates at room temperature and has effects on the nervous system. Microscopic levels of mercury vapor can be released from these fillings during chewing, brushing, or consuming hot beverages.
Biological dentistry advocates for the removal of these fillings not only for “aesthetic reasons” but also to reduce the potential heavy metal burden on the body.
What is the SMART Protocol? Why is it vitally important?
Procedures such as routine tooth extraction or filling removal can expose both the patient and the dentist to high levels of mercury vapor. SMART (Safe Mercury Amalgam Removal Technique) is an international standard developed to minimize this risk.
The rigorous safety measures we implement in our clinic:
- Rubber Dam: We completely isolate the tooth from the oral environment, preventing the swallowing of removed parts.
- High-Powered Vacuum Systems: We use special air purification and suction devices that instantly absorb the resulting mercury vapor.
- Oxygen Support: We provide clean oxygen support with a nasal mask to prevent our patient from inhaling mercury vapor during the procedure.
- Protective Clothing: We use special barrier clothing that protects both the patient and the team from mercury particles.
Dental Treatment Only, or Detox?
The answer to this question is: Both.
When amalgam fillings are safely removed, the chronic heavy metal burden on the body begins to lessen. However, in biological dentistry, we don’t just finish the process in the chair.
- Biological Preparation: Various supports may be recommended before and after the procedure to help the body eliminate this heavy metal.
- SMART Post-Procedure Recovery: After the fillers are removed, our patients experience a reduction in symptoms such as chronic fatigue and brain fog, as well as a general feeling of well-being. In this respect, the procedure is the most critical step in a holistic body detox.
Why Biological Dentistry?
Our goal is not just to treat your teeth, but to optimize the impact of your teeth on your overall health. Applying the SMART protocol in amalgam removal is a requirement of our responsibility to our patients.
If you would like to have your old fillings safely evaluated and start a new chapter in your health, we invite you for a preliminary examination.
