For most patients with multiple mercury fillings, we recommend removing them in stages rather than all in one appointment. This phased approach prioritizes your safety and allows your body time to recover between procedures.
Why Staged Amalgam Removal Is Safer
Even with the strict SMART protocol in place to minimize mercury exposure, removing multiple amalgam fillings creates more mercury vapor and particulate matter than removing just one or two. Spacing out your appointments reduces your total exposure during any single session. It gives your body's natural detoxification systems time to process and eliminate any trace amounts of mercury between visits.
Planning Your Treatment
During your consultation, Dr. Shank will assess how many amalgam fillings you have, their size and location, and develop a systematic removal plan. He'll prioritize which fillings to remove first based on factors like their condition, location, and your overall treatment needs.
Most patients complete their mercury removal over two to four appointments, depending on how many fillings need to be replaced. This timing balances efficiency with safety, ensuring you're not overwhelmed physically while still making steady progress toward your goal of being mercury-free.
Your Comfort Matters
Staged removal also tends to be more comfortable, both during and after appointments. You'll have time to heal between visits, and we can adjust our approach based on how you respond to the first procedure.
If you're ready to remove your mercury fillings safely, call our Lafayette dental office at (337) 235-8902 to schedule your SMART protocol consultation.