The Safe Mercury Amalgam Removal Technique is what's meant to be abbreviated as SMART. During the process of removing mercury fillings, this method, which was created by the International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology (IAOMT), keeps all of our patients, as well as our dental team, safe from exposure to mercury vapor. According to the findings of a number of studies, silver (amalgam) fillings can include up to fifty percent mercury, which has the potential to cause a wide range of health problems. Mercury exposure has been linked to a wide variety of adverse health effects, including but not limited to: depression, anxiety, chronic illnesses, persistent weariness, and prenatal abnormalities. Because of this, many patients who have older metal fillings want to have them removed from their teeth.
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HOW IT IS DONE: THE SMART PROCESS
CONSULTATION
Your current metal fillings will be evaluated by Dr. Cohan during your consultation to determine whether or not you will need to have them replaced. It is possible that your she will advise you to keep them in place if they are in good shape and do not constitute a risk to your health. However, in the majority of instances, it is to one's advantage to have them replaced.
PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES
During the process of removing your filling, both you and your doctor will wear protective coverings and a drape will be placed between the two of you. In the operatory, there will be a high-vacuum filtering system that will be used to remove any mercury vapor that may be formed as a result of the removal of your silver fillings.
PREPARING FOR THE PROCEDURE
During the whole duration of the process, you will be required to breathe oxygen through a face mask in order to prevent the inhalation of any potentially hazardous fumes. A dental dam will also be placed in your mouth by your doctor in order to isolate the region that is being operated on.
REMOVAL OF METAL FILLINGS
Your dentist will begin the process of removing the metal amalgam fillings using a precise drill, suction, and water as soon as all of the safety precautions have been taken.
ORAL RINSE
Following the extraction of the metal filling, your dentist will provide you with a slurry of activated charcoal and water to rinse your mouth with. Through the process of rinsing your mouth with a slurry, the charcoal will be able to absorb any potential trace amounts of metal that may have made their way into your mouth.
PLACEMENT OF NEW FILLINGS
At long last, the metal filling that was previously in your tooth will be replaced with a long-lasting composite filling instead. Fillings made of composite material not only help to maintain the natural structure of your tooth, but also improve its overall appearance.
THE BENEFITS OF SMART
ENJOY BETTER AESTHETICS
It's possible for metal fillings to make your smile look dingy and unattractive. Even when they are attached to the back teeth, they can be seen when the person laughs, smiles, or speaks. Patients can experience the aesthetic benefits of composite fillings that look more natural than natural tooth enamel when metal fillings are removed and replaced.
STAY AHEAD OF MENTAL HEALTH PROBLEMS
According to the findings of several studies, mercury exposure has been related in some instances to clinical depression as well as other mental health problems. Eliminating the presence of mercury in your mouth is the best way to avoid these possible effects, despite the fact that they are quite uncommon. Insomnia, irritability, anxiety, and withdrawal from social situations have been reported as symptoms of mercury poisoning brought on by the inhalation or consumption of mercury vapor in some instances.
STAY HEALTHY TO AVOID ONGOING ILLNESSES
Studies have indicated that having mercury in the bloodstream can lead to chronic and long term disorders such as Alzheimer's disease, cardiovascular issues, and renal dysfunction. This is in addition to the unfavorable associations that have been shown between mercury and mental health.
KEEP YOUR TEETH IN GOOD HEALTH.
Traditional metal fillings don't attach to the teeth nearly as well as their modern composite counterparts do. This translates to the removal of less dental enamel being necessary when using composite fillings as opposed to metal fillings. Because of this, many dentists will advise their patients to replace a metal filling that has become damaged with a composite filling in order to save as much of the patient's natural tooth structure as is practicable. In the long run, this helps to keep your teeth in good health and strengthens them.
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
DOES REMOVING AMALGAM FILLINGS HURT?
No. During the entire procedure, the region that encompasses the tooth will have a numbing effect. You might feel a little bit of pressure from the drill, but you shouldn't experience any discomfort at all. Sedation is an option that may be made accessible to you in specific circumstances so that you can remain blissfully oblivious and calm while undergoing your SMART operation. Make an appointment with your primary care provider as soon as possible if you are interested in discussing the various methods of sedation at your disposal.
HOW LONG DOES THE PROCESS TAKE?
The length of the process will change depending on the specific requirements of each individual patient. The length of the treatment will be determined, in part, by the size and quantity of the metal fillings that need to be extracted. Having a filling placed in each tooth, on the other hand, often takes about the same length of time as doing this procedure.
IS REMOVING MERCURY FILLINGS COVERED BY INSURANCE?
If it is judged that the removal of your metal fillings is a necessary therapy rather than an elective one, then it is possible that your insurance will cover the cost of the procedure. If your metal fillings are considered to be in good condition and do not pose a threat to your health, you may be responsible for paying some out-of-pocket costs in order to have them removed for the sole purpose of improving your smile's appearance. Get in touch with your insurance provider if you want to have a better understanding of your coverage. In addition, our team is delighted to respond to any questions you might have in order to be certain that you are maximizing the benefits that your dental insurance provides.
DO I NEED TO HAVE MY AMALGAM FILLINGS REMOVED?
In the vast majority of instances, metal fillings will need to be extracted. This is typically the result of the filling's advanced age. These days, the vast majority of dentists utilize composite fillings, therefore the fact that you have a metal filling makes it highly likely that it is deteriorating. This can result in more tooth decay, which is why it is essential to have your fillings evaluated to determine whether or not they are performing as expected. It is usually safer to have metal fillings removed proactively in order to decrease the danger of acquiring mercury poisoning (and the adverse effects that come along with it) in the future. This is in addition to any potential tooth decay that may occur.
READY FOR A NEW SMILE? CLICK HERE TO SCHEDULE YOUR CONSULTATION TODAY!
GET TO KNOW YOUR BEST DENTIST IN SUMMERLIN
Dr. Marianne Cohan was voted The Best Dentist/ Dental Office and Best Cosmetic Dentist from The Las Vegas Review-Journal in 2020 and 2021. She received her Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) from the State University of New York at Buffalo in 1992.
With an emphasis on cosmetic dentistry, complete makeovers, and implant dentistry, Dr. Cohan is committed to continuing education and feels that we never stop learning. Dr. Cohan takes pride in using high-powered magnification to perform minimally invasive restorative dentistry. She uses all the latest technological advances including digital radiography, digital photography, computer simulations, and high-resolution pictures of your proposed treatment on 55-inch screens. She also utilizes CBCT (cone beam) and laser technology.
Dr. Cohan is always available to her patients and is available for any dental emergency.
CLICK HERE TO SCHEDULE YOUR APPOINTMENT!
It's natural to be concerned or anxious about getting cavities repaired in your tooth.
It is possible for fillings to cause discomfort in some patients. However, the majority of them only produce minimal to nonexistent pain during the process.
Take a few deep breaths and keep reading if you are avoiding going to the dentist because you are terrified of the pain that you will experience there. We will describe the process of cavity filling and let you know what to anticipate in terms of the level of pain or discomfort you may experience.
What factors influence how painful a filling procedure will be?
If you have a cavity in your tooth, your dentist will almost certainly advise you to get it filled as soon as humanly possible.
In order to alleviate the discomfort that cavities can cause and to remove the risk of a more serious infection, fillings are often performed. If the cavity is not treated, it can spread to the pulp of the tooth, which is extremely painful.
Cavities that are left untreated can result in the need for more invasive procedures, such as root canal therapy or tooth extraction.
When you get a cavity filled, your dentist will remove the decay that is already present in the tooth and then restore the tooth to its normal shape. This improves the health of your mouth and makes it feel more comfortable.
Your dentist will talk to you about what to anticipate throughout the operation, as well as the extent to which it will go. This is dependent on a number of different aspects. Here are some of the potential causes of discomfort during a filling procedure:
Decay of teeth is an ongoing process. It manifests as initially as white patches on the tooth enamel, which are brought on by minute amounts of mineral loss. Through maintaining good oral hygiene or receiving fluoride treatments, you can help put a halt to tooth decay.
On the other hand, if the enamel of the tooth continues to wear away, you can develop a cavity that needs to be filled.
Cavities that are found to be relatively little and treated at an early stage are the most straightforward and expedient to treat. If your cavity isn't particularly deep, you may not feel very much discomfort at all.
It is important to bear in mind that topical numbing gel does not numb the tooth tissue; rather, it numbs only the gums themselves so that the needle does not cause any pain or discomfort while the injection is being administered.
Some individuals suffer from a fear of needles, which causes them to dread getting the injection more than any other aspect of the process. However, other individuals only dislike the numb feeling that continues to exist in the face and tongue after a cavity has been filled.
A local application of numbing gel may be all that is necessary to fully remove any discomfort felt in the gums in certain cases. In any other case, your dentist will be able to halt the drilling and give you an injection of anesthetic if you start to feel any pain during the procedure.
Cavities that are deeper necessitate the removal of further deterioration and require more time to fill. In addition, deep cavities are located closer to the tooth's nerve ends than shallower cavities. During the process, these particular kinds of cavities have the potential to produce a greater amount of discomfort.
If you don't have a particularly high threshold for discomfort, your dentist may probably suggest getting an injection of anesthesia before working on deep cavities.
Where the cavity is located on the tooth
There are three different kinds of cavities, namely:
When detected in their early stages, the vast majority of root cavities can be treated with relative ease. Small root cavities can typically be simply filled with local anesthesia.
Because the cementum at the base of the tooth is a softer substance, it can decay considerably more rapidly than the rest of the tooth. Roots that are exposed as a result of receding gums are also susceptible to decay due to the fact that roots are not as durable as enamel.
Periodontal disease, often known as gum disease, is the cause of these types of cavities almost all of the time. The gums pull away from the teeth as a result of periodontal disease, exposing the sensitive root surface of the tooth.
The total amount of cavities
If you have multiple cavities in the same region of your mouth, your dentist may suggest treating all of them at the same time to save you time.
Because of this, the treatment could take significantly longer, which could result in increased discomfort. During the operation, you will be required to keep your mouth open for an extended amount of time, which may result in discomfort in the jaw or nausea.
It is possible that the extended process will require you to get extra anesthetic.
What kinds of numbing agents are there to choose from?
It is the purpose of numbing medications to eliminate or significantly lessen feelings of pain and discomfort.
Your dentist will provide a local anesthetic (such lidocaine, benzocaine, or epinephrine) in order to numb your tooth, gum, and jaw before performing the procedure. Because the nerves in your mouth won't be able to send any pain signals to your brain when these agents are present, you won't feel any discomfort when the dentist starts to drill into your teeth. There may be a tiny degree of discomfort that is described as a light sting, but this is simply an indication that the anesthetic is doing its job and the pain should subside shortly.
It's possible that your dentist has a personal preference for a particular brand. Talk to your dentist about the anesthetic they intend to use and the reasons they believe it will be most beneficial for you.
The following are some of the common numbing drugs that are used:
If you know or suspect that you have an allergy to any of these drugs or to any other kind dental anesthesia, be careful to let your dentist know.
If you're anxious, you might also find relief from nitrous oxide (commonly known as laughing gas), which is delivered to the patient in the form of a breathing mask that covers the nose. Nitrous oxide can be used to lessen the sensation of pain, but its primary purpose is to calm fear and anxiety.
Is there pain after a filling?
After the operation, it is possible that your tooth can feel unpleasant or sensitive for up to two days.
It is natural to feel some discomfort, and it should only last for a short time. If you are experiencing substantial discomfort or observe any swelling or pus, you should contact your dentist as soon as possible. This could be an indication that you have an infection or that you require extra treatment, such as a root canal.
Any sensitivity or mild pain may become more severe if you consume something that is either extremely hot or extremely cold. It's possible that breathing in chilly air will also make your teeth tingle or feel painful.
It's also possible that, for the next several days, your gums will feel raw or sore, particularly when you clean or floss your teeth.
Why Take Such a Risk? The use of fillings is preferable to the alternative.
If you are still nervous about getting a filling, it may assist to understand why one would get a filling in the first place if you want to reduce your anxiety about the procedure. Cavities are the reason why we need to have fillings. Cavities, also known as decaying areas in teeth, can be recognized on a tooth's surface as the appearance of very small holes. Acids released by harmful bacteria known as plaque, which adheres to your teeth and feeds on food debris that is left in your mouth after meals, are the root cause of these problems.
If cavities are not filled and allowed to progress unchecked, the decay can get so severe that it reaches the nerve within the bone, causing excruciating agony. This can happen if cavities are not filled and allowed to progress unchecked. If the cavity continues to spread and reaches the gum, it is possible that this may also cause a great deal of discomfort, and it may even lead to an infection. Ultimately, the tooth will be lost.
When cavities have progressed to this stage, the essential treatments consist of more intensive procedures such as root canals and extractions. The discomfort associated with these treatments is significantly worse than that of getting a filling. As a consequence of this, getting a filling is invariably the best alternative that comes with the fewest adverse consequences.
It is not necessary for patients to feel anxious when receiving treatment for oral health issues or having cavities filled. At Summerlin Dental Solutions, our highly trained and empathetic dental specialists are able to attend to all of your dental requirements and ensure that you leave our office with a smile. Make an appointment with one of our in-house specialists here at Summerlin Dental Solutions in Las Vegas to get a cavity filled if you believe you may have one. You may get an appointment for the same day by calling the number (702)341-9160 today.
CLICK HERE TO SCHEDULE YOUR APPOINTMENT!
GET TO KNOW YOUR BEST DENTIST IN SUMMERLIN
Dr. Marianne Cohan was voted The Best Dentist/ Dental Office and Best Cosmetic Dentist from The Las Vegas Review-Journal in 2020 and 2021. She received her Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) from the State University of New York at Buffalo in 1992.
With an emphasis on cosmetic dentistry, complete makeovers, and implant dentistry, Dr. Cohan is committed to continuing education and feels that we never stop learning. Dr. Cohan takes pride in using high-powered magnification to perform minimally invasive restorative dentistry. She uses all the latest technological advances including digital radiography, digital photography, computer simulations, and high-resolution pictures of your proposed treatment on 55-inch screens. She also utilizes CBCT (cone beam) and laser technology.
Dr. Cohan is always available to her patients and is available for any dental emergency.
