We follow strict protocols to safely and comfortably remove silver amalgam fillings.

SMART Amalgam Filling Removal

Dental amalgam fillings, which contain approximately 50 percent mercury, were commonly used for decades. Today, we've learned more about mercury vapor exposure, leading many patients and healthcare providers to consider removing these fillings safely.

At Shank Dental Care, we are specially trained in the Safe Mercury Amalgam Removal Technique (SMART). This protocol was established by the International Academy of Oral Medicine & Toxicology (IAOMT) and is an approach that minimizes mercury exposure during removal to protect our patients and dental team.

Why Is SMART Protocol Essential?

Removing amalgam improperly can release mercury vapor or particles into your body and the treatment room. Using specialized equipment, strict safety measures, and an intentionally slow, controlled process, we make amalgam removal as safe as possible.

Why Patients Choose SMART Removal at Shank Dental Care

Removing mercury amalgam fillings requires the skill and expertise of the kind that can only be achieved with specialized training and equipment and the focused attention of a dedicated team.

Peace of Mind During Treatment

The SMART protocol uses advanced equipment and protective barriers designed to minimize mercury exposure during filling removal, creating a safer environment for everyone in the treatment room.

Comprehensive Health Support

We support your overall wellness throughout the procedure with clean air delivery, ozonated water irrigation, and oxygen, recognizing that what happens during treatment affects your systemic health.

Specialized Treatment and Precision

Dr. Shank's SMART training and integrative dentistry philosophy ensure that we carefully perform every step of the removal process with your safety and the safety of our team as the top priorities.

Testimonial

I Couldn’t Recommend Dr. Shank & Staff Enough

I couldn’t recommend Dr. Shank & staff enough! After a previous bad experience with another dentist I was hesitant - to try someone new (being new to the Lafayette area). I am SO glad I gave this office a chance!

- Brinley

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What to Expect with SMART Amalgam Removal

At Shank Dental Care, the SMART protocol includes:

Isolating the tooth with a rubber dam to prevent swallowing amalgam particles
Providing clean air and external oxygen for the patient throughout the procedure
Using high-volume suction and air filtration systems to catch mercury vapor
Draping and protecting skin and clothing from contamination
Sectioning and removing the amalgam in large chunks to limit vapor release

During the process, we use other methods to support your oral health during and after removal. Ozone therapy helps disinfect the area and promote tissue healing, while biocompatibility testing ensures we select replacement materials that work with your unique system.

For patients with autoimmune conditions, chronic inflammation, or chemical sensitivities, this level of care can make a meaningful difference.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I have all my mercury fillings removed at once?

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.

Joint Decision-Making

Before scheduling your removal, Dr. Shank will discuss your health history, reasons for removal, and what to expect during the procedure. He'll explain the SMART protocol steps and address any concerns about the process. He will help you understand the timeline if you have multiple amalgam fillings that may require several appointments for safe removal.

Protecting Your Health, One Tooth at a Time

Many of our patients initially come to Shank Dental Care because they couldn’t find this level of mercury-safe care anywhere else in Louisiana. Whether you’ve been advised to remove old fillings, are managing a health condition, or simply want to replace silver fillings with safer materials, we’re here to help you take the next step safely.

Call our Lafayette, LA, dental office today at (337) 235-8902 to schedule your SMART amalgam removal consultation. We serve patients throughout Acadiana and across Louisiana, including those traveling from New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Lake Charles, and beyond.

Our Team

Meet More of Our Team

Dr. Taylor Shank

Dr. Taylor Shank was born and raised in Lafayette, and he considers himself blessed to be able to serve the community he knows and loves. Dr. Shank is a graduate of St. Thomas More High School, UL Lafayette, and the LSU School of Dentistry.

Dr. Shank started his practice because he was unhappy with the profit-driven high-volume model that has become so common in the medical and dental fields. Dr. Shank saw the need to provide dental services for those patients looking for more holistic and minimally invasive treatment options. He ...

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