Safe Amalgam Removal in West Seattle, WA

Only a few decades ago, metal amalgam fillings were the standard for eliminating tooth decay and repairing molars that take the brunt of the chewing forces. However, since around 1960, composite resin has become the new standard of care for tooth fillings because they’re durable, safe, and aesthetic.

At Holliday Dental Wellness, we strive to provide our patients with the best biocompatible materials for their smiles and health. We also recognize that patients may no longer want metal fillings in their mouths due to wear and breakdown, cosmetic concerns, or other sensitivities.

Dr. Holliday is SMART certified and can safely remove metal amalgam fillings without our patients having concerns about harmful mercury vapor or debris. She also follows strict environmental protocols for disposing of the mercury once metal fillings are removed.

Metal amalgam fillings combine liquid mercury with metal alloys, including silver, copper, tin, and zinc, which the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and American Dental Association (ADA) have deemed safe. In 2021, the FDA did come out with recommendations that high-risk populations (such as children, nursing mothers, women of childbearing age, those with neurologic and kidney impairment, and people with metal sensitivities) avoid dental amalgams as they may release small amounts of mercury in the form of a vapor (gas) that can enter the body through inhalation

Even though they have been deemed safe, many patients are concerned about having metal fillings in their mouths for various reasons, and we understand your concerns at Holliday Dental Wellness.

That’s why we offer safe and effective solutions for replacing mercury amalgam fillings with comfortable alternatives.

SMART stands for Safe Mercury Amalgam Removal Technique. Dr. Holliday is SMART certified through the International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology (IAOMT). SMART protocols require additional safety measures to remove amalgam fillings to reduce mercury vapor and debris exposure for our patients and the dental team. 

Some SMART protocols we follow at our West Seattle dental office are:

• Protective wear for our patients, dentist, and team members
• Environmentally safe disposal of amalgam 
• Proper dental barrier use
• Use of high-speed suction and extra-oral or vacuum
• Oxygen for the patient
• Protective air filtration and circulation

Once Dr. Holliday has effectively removed the amalgam from your tooth, she’ll replace it with a composite filling or porcelain crown, depending on your needs.

Fillings are ideal for restoring smaller areas, while a dental crown is a better solution for protecting a tooth that’s had an extensive restoration.

Composite resin is durable and bonds directly to your tooth to preserve more natural tooth structure. Dr. Holliday can customize composite to blend flawlessly with your tooth.

Porcelain crowns also provide excellent stability and natural aesthetics for your smile.

Contact Holliday Dental Wellness to Learn More about SMART Safe Mercury Removal

If you have questions or concerns about your current dental restorations, our team is happy to help! We’ll discuss your options with you, and Dr. Holliday loves to educate patients about procedures we offer, like SMART Safe Mercury Removal, that protect your health and well-being.

Contact your dentist in West Seattle at (206) 935-3161 or book an evaluation with Dr. Holliday online.