Dentistry is a minimally invasive approach used to stop cavities from progressing without the need for traditional drilling or shots in many cases. This treatment uses tooth-colored restorative materials to help preserve healthy tooth structure while comfortably treating decay.

SMART – Safe Mercury Amalgam Removal Technique

For patients who wish to replace Mercury Silver fillings, we follow the SMART – Safe Mercury Amalgam Removal Technique, a specialized safety protocol designed to minimize Mercury exposure during the removal process. Our office is SMART-certified provider through the International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology (IAOMT), demonstrating advanced training and adherence to strict mercury-safe clinical standards

Enhanced Patient Safety

Our SMART protocol is designed to reduce exposure to mercury vapor and particles during amalgam removal, helping create a safer experience for both patients and our dental team.

Biocompatible Restorations

After removal, teeth are restored with modern mercury-free materials that are durable, natural-looking, and designed to support long-term oral health.

Whole-Body Wellness Approach

SMART Dentistry takes a holistic approach by using protective measures and materials intended to support overall wellness throughout treatment.

Improved Comfort During Treatment

Advanced isolation techniques, water cooling, oxygen support, and high-volume evacuation systems help create a cleaner and more comfortable dental experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Dr. Hieu Do follows strict safety protocols, often referred to as SMART (Safe Mercury Amalgam Removal Technique) techniques, when removing mercury amalgam fillings. These measures include rubber dam isolation, high-volume suction, and protective measures for both patients and staff.

Why Safe Removal Matters

Amalgam fillings contain mercury. Removing them without proper precautions can release small amounts of mercury vapor and particles. Biological dentists take specific steps to minimize this exposure during the removal process.

Protective Measures Used

Safe amalgam removal typically includes:

A rubber dam to isolate the tooth and prevent particles from reaching the mouth or airway
High-volume suction to immediately capture debris and vapor during the procedure
An alternative air source, such as a nasal mask, for the patient to breathe clean air
Protective barriers and equipment for both patient and dental team

Removal is performed methodically, using techniques that limit heat and fragmentation of the old filling material.

Replacing With Biocompatible Materials

Once the old amalgam is safely removed, Dr. Do replaces it with biocompatible restorative materials suited to the tooth and the patient's individual needs and preferences.

Safe, Effective, Metal-Free Dentistry in Houston

If you're in Houston and want to learn more about safe, metal-free biological dentistry, contact Dr. Hieu Do and the friendly Total Wellness Dental team to schedule a consultation.

The safe mercury amalgam removal technique (SMART) protocol is a method for safely removing silver amalgam fillings from your teeth and replacing them with composite restorations (tooth-colored fillings).

Silver amalgam fillings were popular in decades past, but they do contain mercury. While studies show that the mercury in these fillings is generally safe, some patients are sensitive to the element or prefer a more organic dental restoration. Still others want to change silver fillings for a more aesthetically pleasing result.

Because amalgam fillings contain mercury, it’s important to remove them safely to prevent the restoration from chipping off or breaking inside the mouth. The goal of SMART is to help eliminate exposure.

Remember, not every dentist practices SMART when removing silver amalgam fillings.

Replacing Silver Dental Fillings in Houston, TX

We use the following protocols to help ensure safe amalgam filling removal:

Rubber Dam Isolation
Intra-Oral and High-Volume Evacuation
Continuous Water Cooling
Whole-Body Protective Barrier
Oxygen Therapy

Composite fillings are made of composite materials. Your dentist applies the material in layers to fill your tooth. Then we set the composite using a dental light. Finally, we polish your tooth for a seamless finish.

For Holistic Dentistry, Contact Us

Your holistic dentist in Houston encourages you to call our dental office to schedule an evaluation. You can also book online.

We accept CareCredit and Cherry financing.

No, you don’t have to replace your silver amalgam fillings if they are intact. However, some patients choose to switch to composite fillings due to the mercury content in amalgam.

Fillings can last up to a decade or longer with healthy habits.

You should brush and floss at least twice daily.
It’s crucial to visit your Houston dentist at least twice yearly.
If you have bruxism (teeth grinding), let your dentist know.

Why Patients Change Broken Silver Fillings

Silver fillings contain mercury, but studies have deemed the amount safe. However, when fillings crack or break, there may be issues with mercury exposure.

Patients also change silver fillings because they are sensitive to the materials or want a more aesthetically pleasing restoration.

Broken fillings can also lead to new cavities on the same tooth or root infections.

Changing Silver Fillings with SMART Protocol

If you change your silver fillings, we think it’s important to trust the treatment to a holistic dentist using the safe mercury amalgam removal technique (SMART).

This method protects your airway and oral cavity from mercury exposure.

Contact Your Dentist in Houston, TX

For more information about restorative dentistry or to book a consultation with the dentist, call us. You can also book an appointment online.

Talk to our team about financing options and our exclusive membership plan.

SMART Protocol for Safe Amalgam Removal

Our trained clinical team uses proper SMART protocol including rubber dam isolation, intra-oral and extra-oral high-volume evacuation, continuous water cooling, whole-body protective barrier and oxygen therapy. These safeguards help to minimize Mercury vapor and particle exposure for both patients and dental team. After removal, teeth are restored using modern biocompatible restorative materials that provide strength, aesthetics, and long-term durability while supporting whole-body wellness.

OUR TEAM

Dr. Hieu Do DDS, AIAOMT, D.ABDSM

Dr. Hieu Do is the proud owner of Total Wellness Dental. A compassionate leader and lifelong learner, Dr. Do believes in empowering both her team and her patients to reach their fullest potential, personally, professionally, and in their oral health. Her leadership philosophy centers on leading by example and fostering an environment of growth, trust, and positivity.

Dr. Do attended the University of Texas School of Dentistry, where she earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree in 2014, following her Associate of Applied Science in Dental Hygiene from Wharton ...