Dr. Heather Gentry, owner of Gentry Dental, is certified by the International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology to perform Safe Mercury Amalgam Removal Technique (SMART) protocol, and uses safe, biologically responsible methods and materials. Several factors point to the importance of this procedure. 

Dental amalgam restorations contain approximately 50 percent mercury, a known neurotoxin. Mercury vapors and particles can be released both during the removal of old metal fillings and in daily activities like chewing, brushing, clenching and grinding. These emissions may pose potential risks to the health of patients, dental personnel and the environment. 

The practice uses a specialized mercury vapor air filtration system placed close to the mouth, which captures airborne mercury particles and vapors as the fillings are removed, and provides supplemental oxygen through a nose mask to ensure patients don’t inhale any mercury vapor during the procedure. A rinse and irrigation process with activated charcoal and/or chlorella, which are known to bind and absorb toxic particles, provides additional protection. 

Both the patient and the dental team are fully draped to prevent mercury from contacting clothing or exposed skin. A rubber dental dam is placed on the tooth to isolate it from the rest of the mouth. An amalgam separator is used to collect the mercury-containing particles removed during suction, ensuring that they don’t enter the municipal water supply, thus helping protect the environment. 

A biocompatible ceramic or a resin filling is then placed to restore the tooth. These materials are less toxic and more esthetic than dark amalgam fillings. 

Location: 5950 Fairview Rd, Ste. 16, in Charlotte. For more information or to make an appointment, call 704-554-1007, email [email protected] or visit GentryDentalCharlotte.com. 

Gentry Dental - 5950 Fairview Rd 16, Charlotte, NC

Welcome to Our Charlotte Dental Practice Welcome to Gentry Dental! We’re proud to serve the communities of Charlotte, Southpark, Madison Park, Starmount, Beverly Woods, Barclay Downs, an... Read More »