Part Two: Safe Mercury Removal with the SMART Protocol
What to Ask Your Dentist Before Mercury Removal
Last week we covered how to support your body if you do have mercury fillings. We can do so much to help improve the toxin load — simple steps that are additive when done consistently.
Today, I’m going to be talking about what to expect at the dentist’s office to remove your mercury fillings safely. Remember, it’s better to leave them intact in your mouth than to remove them unsafely. For both your health and your dental team’s health, I also encourage your dentist to look into the SMART Protocol — a safe amalgam removal technique recommended by the International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology (IAOMT).
First—it’s safer to leave them in than to remove them unsafely. The drilling process can release a dangerous cloud of mercury vapor and particles if proper protections aren’t in place. That’s why finding a dentist trained in safe amalgam removal is absolutely essential—for your health, and for your dental team’s health too.
At our office, and in other integrative offices that follow SMART (Safe Mercury Amalgam Removal Technique) protocols, here’s what you can expect:
* Protection for you: A rubber dam to shield your mouth, high-volume suction with filters, and a clean air supply (often an oxygen nasal mask) so you aren’t breathing mercury vapor.
* Protection for the team: Your dentist and staff wear protective gowns and masks, and the treatment room has special air purification to capture mercury particles.
* Gentle removal methods: Fillings are sectioned and removed in chunks rather than aggressively drilled, minimizing heat and mercury release.
* Support for your body: Ozone, PRF, IV vitamin support, and detox guidance are often used to help your system clear residual exposure and to optimize healing.
* Safe replacement materials: Once the mercury is gone, your tooth is restored with biocompatible materials that mimic the natural tooth’s function and structure.
The difference between unsafe and safe removal is night and day. Done properly, SMART helps reduce exposure to mercury vapor and particles, protecting everyone in the room.
Supporting the Whole Body
It’s important to remember that mercury is not just a dental concern—it’s a whole-body concern. The mouth is the entry point to the rest of our system, and what happens there can affect everything from our immune health to our energy levels. That’s why I emphasize not only the safe removal of mercury but also the support your body needs before, during, and after the procedure.
This isn’t about quick fixes. It’s about creating a safe environment, minimizing toxic exposure, and helping your body process and release what no longer belongs. If you decide to move forward with mercury removal, I want you to feel empowered, prepared, and most importantly, protected.
This is what truly integrative dentistry looks like: protecting the whole person, not just the tooth. Removing mercury fillings isn’t just about your mouth—it’s about lowering your toxic burden, protecting your nervous system, and safeguarding the generations to come.
Questions to Ask Your Dentist
If you are considering amalgam removal, here are a few essential questions to bring to your appointment:
1. Do you follow the SMART protocol or a similar safe removal technique?
2. What protective measures do you use for patients, staff, and the room environment?
3. How do you minimize mercury vapor and particle exposure during removal?
4. What steps do you recommend for supporting the body before and after the procedure?
5. How do you ensure the safety of your dental team during mercury removal?
Asking these questions not only protects your health, but also helps elevate industry standards by encouraging more dentists to adopt safer, smarter practices.
With care,
Dr. Leedia